Law Enforcement Physical Fitness Standards
So far we’ve talked a lot about the importance of education to a career in law enforcement. Criminal justice and law enforcement degrees can open the doors to many different job opportunities, increase your salary, and make you eligible for different promotions and career advancements. What you may have also noticed, however, is that physical fitness is also a requirement to become a law enforcement officer. Let’s take a look at the Physical Fitness Assessment Standards for new recruits of the different law enforcement agencies.
State Law Enforcement Fitness Requirements
State police officers are tested for physical fitness at their time of hire and at other various points throughout their career. For example, New Hampshire state police officers are tested every three years and must pass to maintain the validity of their licenses. Although officer fitness tests will vary slightly from state to state, most departments test officers by asking them to complete a 1.5 mile run, do push ups, sit ups, and a maximum effort bench press. Officers must pass a certain standard which will vary with age, gender, and specific department requirements.
FBI Agent Fitness Requirements
FBI Special Agents must pass a physical fitness test at the time of application, and again once they are admitted to the FBI academy. Agents are asked to do sit ups, a 300 meter sprint, push ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Passing scores will vary with age and gender. Specific requirements are listed on the FBI’s website.
DEA Agent Fitness Requirements
New DEA Agents must pass a physical fitness test at their time of hire. DEA Agents must do pull ups, push ups, sit ups, a 120 shuffle run, and a 2 mile run. It is suggested that DEA agents train 6-12 weeks prior to being tested in order to be able to meet the requirements of each section of the physical fitness test.
As you can see, physical fitness is very important to a career in law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies want their officers to be both highly educated and physically fit. If you are preparing for a career in law enforcement, be sure to train hard so that you are able to pass these tests with flying colors. Find out more about earning your law enforcement degree.
