Importance of Ability-Based Training for Law Enforcement Recruits

A number of research studies have indicated a wide variation in the physical fitness of law enforcement recruits before academy training. This article provides a literature review regarding current training practices, and the associated limitations, specific to recruits during academy. Collectively, this information indicates the need for ability-based, individualized training for recruits during academy, which is not always the model adopted for a variety of reasons. Practical applications relative to this analysis, in addition to examples for aerobic/anaerobic conditioning and resistance training programs, are presented. These programs feature exercises that are modifiable depending on the fitness of recruits.