Welcome to the world of 2012. When I grew up (the 50’s) cops had to be at least 5'10’ and fit a weight profile. Generally they tended to be bigger than this. As a kid I remember walking downtown with my Mom and thinking that they must get giants to be cops. Ditto for firefighters who all tended to be large and fit.
But this doesn't allow us to be ‘inclusive’ and ‘open’ and provide ‘opportunity.’ Wait till you see a 5 foot nothing Hispanic female, almost as wide as she is tall, waddling around in a police uniform. Must really strike fear into the hearts of the criminals when she yells, “halt this is the police.”
Once upon a time fire fighters had to carry something like a 90 pound dummy down a ladder to simulate a rescue. There was a guy in our neighborhood who was from a family of fire fighters (Dad and two older brothers). He couldn't pass the carry test and therefore broke the family tradition. Now we have fire fighters that are more likely to need rescuing themselves than rescue anybody else.
But we are “inclusive.” Remember that the next time you're assaulted or trapped in a burning building. At least the person that's NOT helping you can be of any color, size, gender, or sexual orientation!
I don't know about criminals.......but be the one buying the last eclair at Dunkin Donuts and hear that shouted behind you.
Or worse, be the family mutt chained to the porch of 'the wrong house.'