Job-Specific Physical Fitness Changes Measured by the Work Sample Test Battery within Deputy Sherrifs between Training Academy and their First Patrol Assignment

Deputy Sheriffs need to exhibit jobspecific fitness throughout their occupational lifespan. This study evaluated job-specific fitness changes measuredby the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB) in deputy sheriffs from training academy to patrol school (refresher program completed before first patrol assignment). WSTB data for 34 deputy sheriffs (28 males, 6 females) was retrospectively analyzed. The WSTB included five tests: a 99-yard obstacle course (99OC); a 165-pound body drag (BD); 6-foot chain link fence (CLF) and solid wall (SW) climbs; and a 500-yard run (500R). WSTB task times measured at the end of academy and start of patrol school were compared by paired samples t-tests, percentage change, and effect sizes (all deputy sheriffs combined and by sex). When data for all deputy sheriffs was combined, there were significant time increases for the WSTB tasks at patrol school (p ≤ 0.009; d = 0.45-1.67), except for the BD (p < 0.001; d = 0.80). Male deputy sheriffs exhibited the same changes (p ≤ 0.042, d = 0.40-2.37), with very large CLF and SW decrements (34-83%). Females experienced a significant decline in the 99OC (p = 0.013; d = 0.79), and nonsignificant declines in all other tasks (p ≤ 0.324; d = 0.50-0.96). Apart from the BD for male deputy sheriffs, jobspecific fitness measured by the WSTB declined when deputy sheriffs went on their first patrol assignment. Theability to perform obstacle clearance (CLF, SW) and foot pursuit tasks (99OC, 500R) was particularly reduced. Intervention strategies to aid job-specific fitness maintenance is recommended for deputy sheriffs.