Physical Agility Testing
The Lafayette Police Civil Service Commission has adopted a rule requiring physical agility testing of every applicant. The testing will gauge muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. The standards for this agility test are the "Exit Standards" of the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board. The Exit Standards are the requirements set for successful completion of the Basic Course (Police Academy).
Law Enforcement Training Board
In 1998 Indiana's Law Enforcement Training Board (LETB) examined the need for physical fitness standards for successful completion of the Basic Course. It was determined to be of utmost importance to implement standards, tests, and programs that differentiate between those who can and cannot do the job of a police officer regardless of age, gender, race, or disability.Science Behind Agility Testing
The test designed by LETB has scientific evidence for having validity as measuring job related factors, and the established norms are scientifically valid norms based on general law enforcement samples.Requirements
What are the physical fitness requirements established for this test?- There are 5 physical fitness components that will be measured as a battery of tests. Applicants should understand that these tests will involve periods of physical exertion and that, as with any physical activity, certain risks are inherent. Applicants will be expected to read, and sign the Waiver Form found in the application packet. The signed Waiver Form should be returned at the time of application for employment. Persons who do not sign and return the Waiver Form will be excluded from the testing and will therefore be dropped from consideration.
- Vertical Jump - This measures leg power and consists of measuring how high a person can jump.
- One Minute Sit Ups - This measures abdominal, or trunk, muscular endurance. While laying on his/her back, the student will be given 1 minute to do as many bent leg sit-ups as possible.
- 300-Meter Run - This measures anaerobic power, or the ability to make an intense burst of effort for a short time period or distance. This component consists of sprinting 300 meters as fast as possible.
- Maximum Push Ups - This measures the muscular endurance of the upper body. This component consists of doing as many push ups as possible until muscle failure.
- 1.5 Mile Run - This measures aerobic power or cardiovascular endurance (stamina over time). To complete this component you must run/walk, as fast as possible, a distance of 1.5 miles.
Minimum Passing Performance
- Vertical Jump - 16 inches
- One Minute Sit Ups - 29
- 300 Meter Run - 71 Seconds
- Maximum Push Ups - 25
- 1.5 Mile Run - 16 minutes 28 seconds
Guidelines to Achieve a Passing Performance
Since the failure to meet the above standards will result in your disqualification, it is imperative to begin training now. We recommend you see your personal physician prior to beginning any physical fitness program. Some general guidelines for achieving the above stated goals include the following:- Start slowly; too much too soon is the biggest cause of injury.
- Have a planned progressive program.
- A good pair of running shoes and proper clothing for weather conditions is important.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Work on exercises such as running, push-ups, jumping, and sit-ups.
- Take an honest appraisal of your current abilities and what you feel you may be able to perform by test day.