Requirements during the Training Academy and annually for sworn personnel

In order for law enforcement officers to be effective in performing their duties, officers must be physically fit. Officers cannot totally perform their duties and survive the rigors of law enforcement work unless they are in top physical condition. To law enforcement officers, being physically fit is vital; their lives may depend on it.

It is recommended you receive a medical examination from your physician prior to beginning any fitness program. Applicants should initiate a regular fitness program to prepare for the Highway Patrol Academy.

Physical fitness will be a regular part of the Highway Patrol Academy and will include sit-ups, pushups, 1 mile run, and flexibility test.

1. One Mile Run
   • Measures cardiovascular endurance and/or aerobic power.
   • Run the distance as fast as possible
2. Push-up Test
   • Measures the muscular endurance of certain upper body muscles. It is important for use-of-force situations.
   • Assume the push-up position. Palms on the ground approximately shoulder-width apart, back straight, feet approximately 8" apart. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the surface then push up again. At the end of the extension, the elbows should lock out. The back is straight throughout the motion. Any rest should be in the raised position.
3. Sit-up Test
   • Measures the endurance of the trunk muscles. This is important for performing tasks that involve the use of force, and in minimizing lower back problems.
   • Lie on your back, knees bent, heels flat on the mat or ground. Fold arms across the chest, with elbows out to the sides. A partner holds down feet. In the up position, you must touch your forearms to your thighs and then return to a position with the lower crest of the shoulder blade touching before starting the next sit-up. You may rest either in the starting or up position.
4. Sit and Reach Test
   • Measures the muscular endurance of certain upper body muscles. It is important for use-of-force situations.
   • Warm up slowly by practicing the test. The participant sits on the surface with shoes off and legs extended at right angles to the box. Keep the legs straight. The heels touch the near edge of the box and are 8² apart. Center the measuring stick between the legs. Slowly reach forward with one hand over the other with the arms straight, as far as possible. The fitness coordinator will determine the distance reached. The best of three tries will be the score.

1 Mile Run (Male)

1 Mile Run (Female)

Push-Ups (Upper body strength) (Male)

Push-Ups (Upper body strength) (Female)

1 Minute Sit-Up (Trunk Strength) (Male)

1 Minute Sit-up (Trunk Strength) (Female)

Sit and Reach (Inches) (15 is neutral) (Flexibility) (Male)

Sit and Reach (Inches) (15 is neutral) (Flexibility) (Female)