Physical Fitness Requirements for Police Officers
Getting into law enforcement is no easy task. The complete package of a potential candidate is looked at by most agencies and for good reason. The first two steps are normally a written test and a physical fitness test. While the written tests can vary from the basics in reading, writing and arithmetic to a more job specific type test, the physical fitness test is more standardized across the country.
Most physical fitness tests an agency will give consist of a mile and a half run, sit-ups and push-ups. Some agencies may include a flexibility test, a jump test, a step test, a bench press (weight lift) test, a leg press test and/or a sprint run. Some agencies may give credit for older officers and some may make allowances for different genders, but all tests will have to be completed successfully within the guidelines established.
The mile and a half run tests cardio levels, quickness and endurance. The distance will have to be completed within a certain time frame to allow progression to the next phase. Sit-ups and push ups will have a one minute time frame in which the applicant will need to complete a certain number of each to progress to the next phase. Each area tests different fitness levels of the candidate. Cardio vascular fitness, strength and endurance are all important aspects of being a police officer.
While most agencies initially test the fitness levels of potential candidates, many agencies do not follow through on requiring a maintained fitness level for officers working the streets. This is another topic all together, but whether or not the agency requires a maintained fitness level it is still up to the individual person to maintain their fitness.
Being physically fit as a police officer goes beyond wrestling and fighting with suspects. The image of an officer in a uniform in which the buttons are straining to hold the fabric together does not instill confidence in that officer, regardless of whether or not they are a great officer. There is a general public distaste of law enforcement officers and we all know the jokes made about donuts and police. The reality is often times that officer only has time to choke back a donut before going to the next call. Eating healthy is a challenge for every officer out there, as often the food you pack goes to waste or the only thing open is the all night convenience store. A conscious effort to eat right has to go hand in hand with committing to working out when you are bone tired.
Officers can go from sitting in the patrol car for hours to having to quickly respond physically for a wide variety of reasons. The body physically responds to the adrenaline, so not only do officers have muscular challenges, body organs are stressed. The nature of the job takes its toll on the whole body of those involved more so if they are not physically fit. There are many medical issues officers face that are easier to deal with if they are physically fit to start with. For instance, years of holding ones bladder wearing a heavy gun belt plays havoc later in life, but will not be as bad an issue if one maintains a fitness level. Recovery time from injuries sustained will be less if one is physically fit.
Compound these issues with sleep disorders that can develop with rotating shifts, interrupted sleep and psychological issues that touch all aspects of the human mind and body. Heart problems, stomach and digestive issues, headaches, joint and back problems (just to name a few) have all been associated with being in law enforcement even with officers who have never faced a physical battle. Staying physically fit helps the short term and the long term overall health of any one in law enforcement or in any profession for that matter. So if you are looking at getting into law enforcement be ready for the physical test. It may save your life from more than just a suspect.
