The 20-m Multistage Fitness Test and 2.4-km Run: Applications to Law Enforcement Fitness Assessment

Aerobic fitness tests are common in testing protocols for law enforcement candidates, recruits, and officers because of the importance of aerobic fitness for academy survivability and job task performance. Two popular tests are the 2.4-km run and 20-mmultistage fitness test (20MSFT). The differences, strengths, and limitations for both tests are discussed in this article, with a focus on the pacing required in each test. The 2.4-km run typically uses an internal pacing strategy, while the 20MSFT features an external pacing strategy because of the audible beeps that increase the running speed in the test. For the 2.4-km run, self-motivation is required to complete the event, whereas for the20MSFT, the external pacing requirement is more typical of a police foot pursuit where the offender dictates the pace. This may have greater application to job tasks, where pacing is often determined by external sources (e.g., pursuing and apprehending an offender). In addition, for the 20MSFT,the limited space required and ability to test indoors may make it more applicable for testing law enforcement personnel. Where possible, staff should explore the use of the most appropriate aerobic fitness test for use in their personnel, be it the 20MSFT or the 2.4-km run.