Police Officer Hiring Process – Physical Agility Test
The physical agility test is given by many departments to determine if applicants are able to perform the physical duties of the job. Not every department has this requirement and those that do will have it as pass/fail. Agencies are not trying to find a group of world class athletes, they just want to make certain that if hired an applicant can do the job. Often, the elements of the physical agility test are listed in the job announcement.
Anyone preparing for a career in law enforcement should make certain that the physical agility test will not remove them from the consideration. When I was in the Border Patrol Academy years ago there were a few agents who make it through over 17 weeks of training, and the only that that stood between them and a Border Patrol career was the physical agility test. Unfortunately, some did not make it.
The physical agility test may be given to all applicants who apply for the job, or only those who are determined to meet the minimum requirements.
Don’t wait until you see the physical agility test on the job announcement to start getting physically fit, get in shape now.