ELI5: Why are police officers and security guards not required to stay in shape? In light of all the police related conflicts going on right now, I have to wonder how many of these senseless police killing of civilians is due to their not being physically able to subdue/overpower/outrun the suspects without use of a gun. I've watched the videos, many of these cops involved are hammed up. The fatties involved in this Alton Sterling case actually even had the guy pinned down and couldn't subdue him without shooting him in the chest. Especially with all the science stories posted here lately showing how obesity affects cognitive function, I also have to wonder if they even have the mental capacity to make life or death decisions that quickly. Rather than shooting suspects in the chest or head, they could make a choice to shoot them in the leg or arm if they have to.  So what gives???