This study analyzed the effects physical fitness may have on reasons for academy separation in law enforcement recruits. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 401 recruits; 330 recruits graduated (GRAD), and 71 recruits separated at various times during academy. Twenty-eight recruits separated for personal reasons (SEPPR); 18 due to physical training failures (i.e., poor fitness) or injury (SEPFI); and 25 due to academic or scenario failures (SEPAS). Fitness testing occurred prior to academy, and included: Push-ups and sit-ups in 60s; a 75-yard pursuit run (75PR); vertical jump; medicine ball throw; and multistage fitness test (MSFT). A one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc compared between-group fitness test performance. A multiple stepwise regression calculated whether recruit characteristics or fitness could predict separation. The GRAD group was younger than the SEPAS group (p < 0.01), faster in the 75PR than the SEPFI group (p = 0.02), and completed more MSFT shuttles than the SEPPR and SEPFI groups (p = 0.01). Age predicted GRAD and SEPAS group inclusion; MSFT predicted GRAD, SEPPR, and SEPFI group inclusion. Recruits who had superior high-intensity running capacity (75PR) and aerobic fitness (MSFT) should have a better chance of completing academy. However, this could be influenced by training practices adopted during academy.

Custody assistants (CAs) are a position within a law enforcement agency who are responsible for assisting officers with maintaining security in correctional facilities. Unlike other positions, CAs may not be required to complete physical testing prior to being hired. This lack of testing could influence the characteristics of CAs who attend academy training. Therefore, retrospective analysis of performance test data for 108 officers (69 males, 39 females) was conducted. The tests included: grip strength for both hands; number of push-ups and sit-ups in 60 seconds; 201 m (220 yard) and 2.4 km runs; and maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max) estimated from the 2.4 km run. Data were stratified by sex and age (≤24 years, 25-29 years, 30-34 years, ≥35 years). Independent samples t-tests (p < 0.05) calculated differences between males and females. To compare age groups, a one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc was utilized (p < 0.05). Males scored significantly higher than females in hand grip, push-ups, and sit-ups, were faster over the 201 m and 2.4 km runs, and had a higher V˙O2max (p ≤ 0.001-0.024). There were no significant differences in performance tests across the age groups for either males or females. To better tolerate the rigors of physical training, female CAs should attempt to improve their fitness prior to academy as they often need to complete the same tasks as the males. Age did not appear to influence the physical characteristics of CAs, although all CAs should attempt to develop the fitness qualities needed for their occupation.

In the USA the 2.4-km run is arguably the most common law enforcement aerobic assessment. Potential limitations are that recruits use an internal pacing strategy, the test requires fewer direction changes, and less fit recruits run for longer. The 20-m multistage fitness test (20MSFT) is commonly used internationally to assess aerobic fitness in law enforcement recruits, and provides an external pacing strategy. This study documented sex differences between the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT in law enforcement recruits, and between-test relationships. Retrospective analysis on eight academy classes (463 males, 87 females) from one agency was conducted. The 20MSFT was completed prior to academy; the 2.4-km run in the first week. Between-sex comparisons in the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT were conducted with independent samples t-tests and effect sizes. Estimated V O2max from the tests was compared with paired samples t-tests. Correlations and linear regression calculated 2.4-km run and 20MSFT relationships. There were significant between-sex differences for the 2.4-km run and 20MSFT (p < 0.01), with moderate (d = 0.9) and small (d = 0.4) effects, respectively. Estimated 2.4-km run V O2max was greater than that from the 20MSFT (p < 0.01). The 2.4-km run had significant relationships with the 20MSFT (r =-0.6), although the regression equations were low (r 2 = 0.30-0.37). Between-sex differences in the 20MSFT appeared less than for the 2.4km run. Nonetheless, even with significant relationships between the tests, the 20MSFT induces a higher running intensity and direction changes. This may limit transferability with the 2.4-km run in law enforcement recruits.

Law enforcement candidates are often required to complete fitness tests to assess their preparedness for training. This study investigated the influence of sex and age on candidate performance prior to academy training. Retrospective analysis of 516 candidates was performed. Data were stratified into males (n = 432) and females (n = 84) and the pooled (males and females combined) data was stratified into age groups (20-24; 24-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40+ years). The tests included: maximal push-ups and sit-ups in 60 s; 75-yard pursuit run (75PR); arm ergometer revolutions completed in 60 s; and a 2.4-km run. To compare the sex and age groups, a 2 x 5 ANOVA (with Bonferroni post hoc for multiple between-age group comparisons) was used. Males performed significantly (p < 0.001) more push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions, and were faster in the 75PR and 2.4-km run. The 20-24, 25-29, and 35-39 year groups were faster in the 75PR compared to the 40+ year group; the 20-24 and 25-29 year groups were faster than the 35-39 year group; and the 20-24 year group was faster than the 30-34 year group (p ≤ 0.023). The 20-24 year group was faster than the 40+ year group in the 2.4-km run (p = 0.005). Females and older candidates may have a lower physical capacity than males and younger candidates, respectively, in certain physical assessments. Female and older candidates, in particular, may benefit from dedicated training prior to academy in order to better prepare for the demands of this period.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine if there were differences in physical fitness performance across different cohorts of successful candidates attending law enforcement agency (LEA) training. Design and Methods:Retrospective, non-identifiable, data from three training cohorts, comprising 226 LEA candidates (♂ = 196: ♀ = 30) were analyzed. Data from a standard testing battery used to screen new candidates on entry were used to inform physical fitness performance. This battery included: maximal number of push-up and sit-up repetitions in 60 seconds (s); a 75-yard pursuit run (75PR) around a pre-determined course designed to mimic a foot pursuit; an arm ergometer test where candidates completed as many revolutions in 60 s; and the 2.4 kilometer (km) run. A one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc adjustments compared age and test results across the classes. Alpha levels were set at p < 0.05 a priori.Results: There were no significant (p = 0.091-0.458) differences between the three cohorts for age, maximal number of push-ups and sit-ups completed in 60 s, time to complete the 75PR, number of revolutions completed in the 60 s arm ergometer test, or time to complete the 2.4 km run. Conclusions:The level of physical fitness for new candidates attending LEA training, as measured by the testing battery, was similar across cohorts attending training and as such physical training programs to prepare new candidates for LEA duties may not need to be different. However, trainers should be aware of individual variations in physical characteristics within classes to optimize individual gains.(Journal of Trainology 2018;7:5-9)