HEARING reports about North Yorkshire Police being under the spotlight on fitness levels within the service, it made me think that we need to ensure our police officers have early retirement as a requirement within the service.

As in the past with the fire brigade and ambulance service, these members of our community should be put in the category of those who retire in the armed forces early after what they call active service.

Fitness is essential and we are now seeing a breakdown of health among those on whom all rely. Early retirement should be essential within these services.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York.