Cops on boards

The image of a cigar-smoking cop with a Jackie Gleeson–like waistline hiding in his cruiser behind a billboard alongside the road in speed-trap mode is much more Hollywood than fact these days. Truth is, first responders are more fit than the average Joe.

The first California Police Olympics was held in San Diego in 1967. In 2000, firefighters were included. Now corrections, probation, border protection, and immigration and customs officers from across the country have joined and the games have spread beyond California and the U.S.

This year, Olympic-style competitions in 35 venues throughout the county during the last half of June include a three-day surfing contest June 28–30, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Oceanside Harbor at the North Harbor Jetty. Divisions include SUP, body board, longboard, and shortboard.