Becoming a Police Officer: Physical Fitness Assessment

At some part in the process, applicants participate in the Physical Fitness Assessment.  The assessment is designed to measure the overall fitness level of the applicant.  The test consists of 5 events which are dictated through The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas:

• Vertical Jump (16" or greater) - This event is used to measure leg strength
• Sit-ups (29 or more in 1 minute) - used to measure core body strength
• 300 meter run (71 seconds or less) - measures anaerobic capacity
• Push-ups (25 or more with no time limit) - This is a good indicator of upper body strength
• 1.5 mile run/jog (16:28 or faster) - measures aerobic capacity

Physical Fitness Assessment's are becoming more common place in law enforcement.  Most realize the nature of a police officer's duties require a fitness level above the common citizen.  Unlike many other occupations, the police officer cannot always dictate when and where bad things will happen.  The officer must be physically ready and capable of responding to any situation they are called upon to handle.  Many of these situations require a fit person to resolve.

Officers failing to meet the standards are allowed one re-test of the fitness assessment at a later date.  if they fail the second time, the application is sent back to Human Resources and they must wait one year before reapplying.

Applicants participate in the push-up and 300 meter run as part of the fitness testing required in the hiring process