HUFFING, puffing and doughnut-eating police officers should become a thing of the past after a fitness campaign was launched in Pretoria yesterday.

HUFFING, puffing and doughnut-eating police officers should become a thing of the past after a fitness campaign was launched in Pretoria yesterday.

"It was not only designed for our members to look and feel good, but most importantly, it can one day save a life in a dangerous situations," said National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele.

He said all police employees would be encouraged to participate in exercise regimes and to follow a healthy diet.

Cele said gym facilities at police stations and training institutions would be improved.

The police service would also approach service providers such as gym owners for discounted rates for officers to use their facilities.

Twice a year the police would have to weigh-in during fitness assessments.

A tool kit for improving fitness would also be made available to police officers.

"Today we are witnessing a giant leap in the implementation of a programme that will radically change the face of this organisation," said Cele. - Sapa