Are There Similarities in Physical Testing Performance across Candidates from different Training Cohorts within a Law Enforcement Agency?

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 physi cal 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.