A handout picture released by the Cypriot Press and Information Office (PIO) shows Cypriot Justice Minister Loucas Louca, left, during his visit to the Nicosia Police District Department, accompanied by Police Chief Michael Papageorgiou.

NICOSIA: Cyprus’ police chief wants his officers to get back into fighting trim after a survey suggested that 70 percent are overweight and 40 percent are obese.

Police spokesman Andreas Angelides says chief Michalis Papageorgiou wants his officers to be healthy, but is also concerned that unfit cops can’t cope with the physical demands of the job such as chasing a suspect on foot.

Angelides said Thursday that plans are being drawn up to include gym time for all the force’s 5,256 officers as part of a daily physical fitness regimen.

Angelides said the survey conducted by the department looked at a random sample of 120 officers of both sexes and a range of ages.

AP