What it takes to join the police
Stephen Heard finds you have to be at the peak of physical fitness to don a police uniform.
The basics
Being physically fit is a key requirement to enforce the law in New Zealand. While Hollywood will have you believe that the average recruitment process involves shooting cutouts of criminals, stunt driving and scaling giant walls with hilarious results, the reality is actually far more boring. There are two fitness assessments: the physical appraisal test (PAT) and the physical competency test (PCT).
The latter is where you get to push a trailer, carry a wheel and drag a ‘‘body’’. The preliminary PAT is a points-based system across four physical disciplines: a 2.4km run, continuous press-ups, a vertical jump and grip strength. Participants need to make up at least 11 points across all fields to pass, and achieve at least one point on each of the four tests. Additional factors taken into account include age, gender and body mass index (BMI).
Giving it a bash
The official physical appraisal test wasn’t available in this instance so I opted for a homemade version with a personal trainer, combining street running, a tape measure and a handgrip dynamometer. First: I tackled the 2.4 kilometre run. The official rules state that participants need to run the distance within 12 minutes to receive the one point minimum.
Determined to achieve the maximum, I set off from the gates with an explosive sprint, soon realising that it would be difficult to maintain the pace for the full distance. My end time came in at the potentially recordbreaking, definitely lung-busting time of 8 minutes 36 seconds. I achieved the maximum 5 points for my BMI and a significant case of stitch and breathlessness. After a decent rest I approached the press-ups. The rules state that males must complete 34 continuous press-ups for the most points and females must complete more than 20.
Correct technique is essential; your middle fingers should be positioned in line with the inside of your elbows and you must dip 90 degrees or below for each movement to count. The ruthless rules made the activity significantly harder. I scraped through after several bungled reps. Three points.
The vertical jump test measures leg strength and power – presumably required for natural police activity like jumping over moving vehicles. The objective is to leap 48 centimetres above your standing reach.
You get three attempts and the best is counted. My first attempt clocked in at 45cm, the second at 46cm and the third somewhere around the same. Two points.
The test of grip strength ensures that recruits have the hand and forearm strength to restrain and operate a weapon. This was my weakest area, the dynamometer trembling as I squeezed. I still managed the compulsory one point. After completing all four components my grand total came to the passable 11. I’m waiting for the call.
Why you should try it
Even if you have no intentions of joining the Police, the physical appraisal test is a great alternative to challenge cardiovascular health and natural body strength. The run will put you through your paces, while the technique-stringent press-ups will likely prove that you’ve being doing them all wrong.
Risk rating
The physical appraisal test is not for the faint of heart. Those with limited physical experience should complete it with a trained professional, and a medical expert should be consulted if you have heart or back problems. The physical appraisal test is preceded by a rehearsal to show recruits how the test is administered.
Find out more
New Zealand Police is always looking for fresh meat. Find out more at newcops.co.nz.
After completing all four components my grand total came to the passable 11. I'm waiting for the call.