NCJ Number
85008
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 30 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1982) Pages: 36-38,41-42
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the development of physical fitness and agility tests by police departments which are used to screen officer candidates.
Abstract
Most pre-employment screening fitness and agility tests have met with opposition from women because these tests usually emphasize upper body strength. Since men are generally superior in this area, women finish in the lower percentiles of their group. Police administrators should ask whether the proposed tests are truly job related. The tests should emphasize such physical characteristics as strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory endurance, speed, agility, balance, and body fat composition. A recent survey of State police agencies and several police departments in Connecticut revealed that a majority of the law enforcement agencies do use some form of agility testing. Therefore, the development of a valid test is essential. The test should provide job-related criteria, assure minimal fitness requirements for police service, and provide an equal chance for all candidates to complete the test successfully. Such activities as situps, pushups, high jump, and swimming are included in many tests which are deemed valid. Actual tests should be conducted by experts, and physical fitness for inservice personnel should be required. Four photographs are provided.