Physical Fitness Requirements

The physical fitness tests are designed to measure the strength, flexibility and endurance law enforcement officers need to participate in and successfully complete those areas of training that require physical exertion. The battery of physical fitness tests includes sit-ups, push-ups, sit-and-reach, and a 1.5-mile run, administered in that order.

The student officer's results for each of the four tests are converted to points:

• Course Acceptance – Student officers must get at least one point in each component of the physical fitness test and at least 12 points overall for acceptance into the Law Enforcement Officer Basic Course. To be accepted, applicants must meet the physical fitness requirements within 40 days of the start of the course.
• Graduation – Student officers must accumulate 27 points in the final physical fitness test administered at the end of week five. Anyone who fails to attain 27 points during the final physical fitness test has 10 days to retest. Student officers who fail to pass the final physical fitness test by the first day of week eight may not continue the course.

Physical Fitness Tests

Sit-Up Test

Rationale: The one-minute sit-up test measures the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles and hip-flexors. These muscles are used in bending, lifting and pulling, which are necessary in self-defense and high intensity arrest simulation training. These muscles are also important in performing a variety of tasks that involve use of force as well as routine tasks such as changing tires and maintaining good posture in motor vehicles.

Administration: Student officers start by lying prone on their backs, knees bent at a 90-degree angle, heels flat on the floor, hands cupped behind the head and fingers interlaced until the little fingers at least touch each other. In the up position, student officers must touch their elbows to their knees and then return to the prone position until the shoulder blades touch the floor. They may not raise their hips off the floor to gain momentum to perform the sit-up. The score consists of the total number of complete sit-ups done in one minute.

Common Errors:

• not placing the hands behind the head with little fingers touching
• raising the hips off the floor to gather momentum
• not touching the elbows to the knees
• not going all the way down so the shoulder blades touch the floor or mat

Push-Up/Modified Push-Up Test

Rationale: The one-minute push-up test measures the muscular endurance of the upper body muscles in the shoulders, chest and back of the upper arms (triceps). This type of muscle strength is important for participation in use of force situations such as pushing, pulling, restraining, breaking one's fall, handcuffing and using a baton. In firearms training, these muscles are used for holding a weapon on target for prolonged periods and repeatedly discharging a weapon. The police vehicle operations course also requires arm strength for off-road-recovery skills training and vehicle maintenance.

Administration: Student officers start in the prone position, with the palms of the hands directly in line with the outer edge of the shoulders, thumbs under the shoulders and arms extended. The feet may be either together or no more than eight inches apart, with toes touching the floor. The back and legs are rigid and in line from heels to shoulder blades to head. Student officers start in the up position and lower their body toward the floor with the back straight and rigid until the chest touches the three inch push-up block, and then push back up to the start position. The score consists of the total number of complete push-ups done in one minute.

Modified Push-Up Test (optional only for females): The student officer starts with her knees on the floor and ankles crossed, toes on the floor, with the palms of the hands directly under the shoulders and arms extended. The shoulders, hips and knees are in line. The student officer starts in the up position and lowers her body toward the floor, with the back straight and rigid until the chest touches the push-up block, and then pushes back up to the start position. The score consists of the total number of complete modified push-ups done in one minute.

Common Errors:

• not going all the way down and so not touching the push-up block
• not coming all the way back up until elbows are extended
• any part of the body touching the floor in the lowered position
• not placing the push-up block in proper position

Sit-and-Reach Test

Rationale: This test measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles. These muscles are used in bending, twisting, lifting, pushing and pulling, all of which are necessary for self-defense and high intensity arrest simulations and firearms training. These muscles are also important in a variety of situations that involve use of force, as well as repetitive maneuvers that are part of the skill and performance-based training.

Administration: The individual sits on the floor with legs extended, feet placed squarely against a box and no more than eight inches apart. A yardstick is placed between the legs and rests on the box with the 15-inch mark flush with the edge of the box. The subject slowly reaches forward with both hands laid a top of one another, with minimal bending of the knees and holds the position for one second. A tube or rolled towel no more than two inches in diameter can be placed directly under the knees. The score is the distance reached on the yardstick in the best of three attempts, with 15 inches being at the toes.

Common Errors:

• separating the hands
• extending one hand beyond the other
• bending the knees

1.5-Mile Run

Rationale: This test measures cardio-respiratory fitness, which is the ability to sustain exertion over an extended period. Cardio-respiratory fitness is necessary to engage in intensive, high stress self-defense tactics, use of force situations, arrest simulations and firearms training.

Administration: Individuals run the prescribed 1.5-mile course in the fastest time possible. The score is determined by the time taken to complete the course.