View Full Version : Joining the police force - What is the fitness requirements?


pdrnsf
17-05-2005, 14:16
I am going to apply for the south yorks police force next year. Im just wondering if anyone can shed some light on the fitness test.

I have looked on the internet, and there isnt too many details given. For example, im on about a 11.5 minute mile at the minute, so if i had an idea if this was decent then i would be able to keep going/up it if necessary.

Im also quite ok with sit ups, but can only do the pansy womens knee press up things! Do they allow this, would take me a long time to muster up strength to do proper mens press ups!!

Has anyone any experience with recruiting latley?

Any info would be great Cheers.

spyro2000
17-05-2005, 14:36
i applied a couple of years ago, was doing real well, passed a couple of the stages, never got as far as the fitness test as between the test that I done and the fitness test I obtained a criminal record :(

Ive still got the information pack which also includes details on what they expect from the fitness test if you want me to scan it in and send it to you in adobe reader I can do.

Im not sure if it has changed in the last 2 years.

pdrnsf
18-05-2005, 01:30
Nice one, that would be great, would really appreciate it if you could, though dont go to too much trouble if there are tonnes of sheets!

With out being nosey, they do allow some criminal offences you know? Obv not asking you what yours was, but they do make exceptions.

Cheers! x

GimmeSomePK
18-05-2005, 04:50
Although having a conviction doesn't stop you getting in, certain offences (even minor ones) can have a number of years time limit on them and even if the are "allowed" offences, it'll still go against you if your application is compared to someone with no offences.

Good luck.

-PK-

viking
18-05-2005, 05:18
It is a while since I did It but THIS (http://southyorks.police.uk/careers/regulars/fitnesstest.php) should be what you are looking for.
Good Luck :thumbsup:

technophobe
18-05-2005, 06:52
I think they are getting rid of the grip test....

god knows why I would have thought its essential to be able to hang on to those pesky crims!

Good Luck! :D

pdrnsf
18-05-2005, 17:01
Viking thats such a help, really greatful, cheers.

DaBouncer
18-05-2005, 17:04
Originally posted by pdrnsf
Nice one, that would be great, would really appreciate it if you could, though dont go to too much trouble if there are tonnes of sheets!

With out being nosey, they do allow some criminal offences you know? Obv not asking you what yours was, but they do make exceptions.

Cheers! x
Not for bank robbery they don't :P

Ann*
18-05-2005, 17:13
Originally posted by pdrnsf
I am going to apply for the south yorks police force next year. Im just wondering if anyone can shed some light on the fitness test.

I have looked on the internet, and there isnt too many details given. For example, im on about a 11.5 minute mile at the minute, so if i had an idea if this was decent then i would be able to keep going/up it if necessary.

Im also quite ok with sit ups, but can only do the pansy womens knee press up things! Do they allow this, would take me a long time to muster up strength to do proper mens press ups!!

Has anyone any experience with recruiting latley?

Any info would be great Cheers.
I hope you have better luck than my nephew who, although he was accepted to join the Met (Metropolitan Police, in London and surrounding areas) nearly two years ago, he can't go to Hendon for training, because they are giving priority to ethnic minorities and women, hence the wait.

I'm wondering whether there is some law that deals with this blatent reverse-sexism and reverse-racism, but there probably isn't.

Anyway good luck pdrnsf with your application.

Kristian
18-05-2005, 17:22
The Met police / minority story has been discussed here (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39514&highlight=met%2A+police) Let's keep this thread about South Yorks police please folks.

saxon51
18-05-2005, 18:43
Good luck pdrnsf:thumbsup:

Watch out for those trick questions though!

Many decades ago when I left the 'daft and barmy', I applied for the prison service (too short for police:mad: height restrictions in those days). Passed the aptitude test with flying colours, then got an interview.

Question from interviewer: Why do you think people are put in prison?

Me: To be punished and to protect the innocent and their property.

Interviewer: Does the word 'rehabilitation' ring a bell?

Me: Rehabwhat?

Interviewer (smirking his head off): We'll let you know.

Of the 18 of us who went for assessment to Wakefield on that day, TWO answered that question correctly and got the job.:loopy:

burnttoast
18-05-2005, 18:55
Can tha play snooker..an sup 10 pints a neet.If so thal go a long way in the force..:D :hihi: :hihi:P.S good luck..

Nimrod
19-05-2005, 07:45
Never mind the fitness test. All you need is a bad attitude, a total disregard for public safety, a mate who is a magistrate, and the ability to lie through your teeth. [ And not forgetting the tendency to drive at 159 mph on motorways]

viking
19-05-2005, 07:54
Good luck pdrnsf, But you will have to learn to cope with people with people like this: Originally posted by Nimrod
Never mind the fitness test. All you need is a bad attitude, a total disregard for public safety, a mate who is a magistrate, and the ability to lie through your teeth. [ And not forgetting the tendency to drive at 159 mph on motorways]

Cyclone
19-05-2005, 07:58
Originally posted by viking
Good luck pdrnsf, But you will have to learn to cope with people with people like this:

you don't think he might have a point?

Nimrod
19-05-2005, 08:00
The police will get my respect when THEY EARN IT.

viking
19-05-2005, 08:01
Originally posted by Cyclone
you don't think he might have a point?

He does have a good point.
The policeman involved has not done himself or the force any favours, But lying was not mentioned.

Mo
19-05-2005, 08:11
I don't know why they bother having stringent physical fitness tests when you look at the state of some of the pot bellied pc's that are walking the streets.

Half of them look as if they'd drop dead in an instant if they had to take chase.:roll:

They should be made to maintain their weight and fitness levels to an acceptable standard throughout their time in the force or out.

viking
19-05-2005, 08:14
Originally posted by Mo
I don't know why they bother having stringent physical fitness tests when you look at the state of some of the pot bellied pc's that are walking the streets.

Half of them look as if they'd drop dead in an instant if they had to take chase.:roll:

They should be made to maintain their weight and fitness levels to an acceptable standard throughout their time in the force or out.

By the time they have got pot bellies, they have usually passed their seargent's exams, so leave the running to the PC's

Nimrod
19-05-2005, 08:32
Often people only remember the BAD things police do, and one bad instance cancels out all the good work done by the majority of hard working policemen. Justice was NOT done in this case and loads of ordinary, sensible and intelligent policemen must realise this. There can be no place in the force for any officer stupid enough to endanger life in this way.

viking
19-05-2005, 08:36
Originally posted by Nimrod
Often people only remember the BAD things police do, and one bad instance cancels out all the good work done by the majority of hard working policemen. Justice was NOT done in this case and loads of ordinary, sensible and intelligent policemen must realise this. There can be no place in the force for any officer stupid enough to endanger life in this way.

Thats sensible Nimrod.
I thought by your first post you were anti-Police.

I did watch a documentary once, where a traffic cop had to race a few hundred miles with a Heart or Liver or summat to save someones life, but even then 159 is a bit OTT.

technophobe
19-05-2005, 09:46
Good Luck in your plight pdrnsf Iam sure you will be just fine.

I think too many people are quick to judge our South Yorkshire officers when obviously there is good and bad in every authority, but that doesnt give people the right to slag every bobby off. Some of these officers actually care about us citizens.

Making harsh comments about pot bellies and bobbies dropping dead at the thought of a chase I think is madness and does nothing for public reassurance.

Considering Sheffield is the fourth largest city in the country the police do a great job considering the recent high reduction in crime. You only have to look at places like Manchester and Nottingham to see the difference.

pdrnsf - dont let these people put you off. I think if you join South Yorkshires Force for the right reasons you will be fine.

Nimrod I personally dont know what you encountered but its fair to say you must have good reason for your judgements. I have friends in the 'job' and I consider them to be good, reliable and honest people who would help anyone.


;)

Mo
19-05-2005, 11:13
Originally posted by technophobe

Making harsh comments about pot bellies and bobbies dropping dead at the thought of a chase I think is madness and does nothing for public reassurance.
;)

But it's a fact technophobe! Just take a look next time you see any of them out of their cars.

technophobe
19-05-2005, 13:32
Originally posted by Mo
But it's a fact technophobe! Just take a look next time you see any of them out of their cars.

Mo: I know from your past input that your of sound mind but I do think your wrong on this occassion. Most of the Bobbys that I know are very fit, some fit fit! but most fit. The only ones who are of the more rotund appearance are not on front line duties and it takes allsorts of people to deal with crime. If they were all built like Arnie, and of similar mind then we would have a bunch of very fit robots. Bobbies have to be good all rounders and sometimes some of the rotund ones are very good listeners and have qualities that some of the Arnie types lack.

In conclusion what Iam saying it that most of the front line officers who I have seen are fit enough to chase most weasily/druggie type crims. And the chunky ones are normally on well deserved desk duties waiting to retire.

Maybe you need to go into a dire location and wait for the night life to start. Honestly Mo the majority are fit.

:)

Mo
19-05-2005, 14:15
Originally posted by technophobe

Maybe you need to go into a dire location and wait for the night life to start. Honestly Mo the majority are fit.

:)

I'll take your word for that technophobe ;)

I am at the slippers and cocoa stage of life now :D

Lickszz
20-05-2005, 00:13
Originally posted by Mo
I don't know why they bother having stringent physical fitness tests when you look at the state of some of the pot bellied pc's that are walking the streets.

Half of them look as if they'd drop dead in an instant if they had to take chase.:roll:

They should be made to maintain their weight and fitness levels to an acceptable standard throughout their time in the force or out.

Couldn't agree more. There should be an annual fitness test that they have to pass. IMO there is no point making recruits pass an initial fitness test if this is not going to be maintained.

technophobe
20-05-2005, 06:48
Lickszz: Youve obviously not read my previous post regarding bobbies on front line duties and their fitness otherwise you wouldnt have posted your comment about fitness being kept at a decent level.

All front line police officers have to keep fit and if they dont can be fined!!! These are uniformed officers. As for specialist departments they are more stringent and undertake fitness on a weekly if not daily basis. So As I said previously its only the older officers who have finished on front line that arnt as fit, but are as equally valueable as a resource.

I have very close friends and family who are in the job and I am not being protective just stating facts. Yes there may be 10% who are not 100% fit but dont forget some officers get injured on duty and sometimes its difficult for them to keep their fitness levels up. OR SHOULD THEY BE CAST ON THE RUBBISH HEAP JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NO USE ANYMORE!!!

Its so easy to slag others off without knowing facts..... how shallow some people are.

:rant:

sccsux
20-05-2005, 07:29
Originally posted by technophobe
OR SHOULD THEY BE CAST ON THE RUBBISH HEAP JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NO USE ANYMORE!!!



Why not?

This is the case in other avenues of employment (redundancy)! Why should a PO be any different?

joyphil
20-05-2005, 07:39
Making harsh comments about pot bellies and bobbies dropping dead at the thought of a chase I think is madness and does nothing for public reassurance. [/B][/QUOTE]

Oh come on. As long as there have been Police people have enjoyed poking fun at them. The Keystone Cops enabled quite a few people the chance to make a living doing it, the manky copper is a staple part of the Punch & Judy routine. In fact, comedy just wouldn't be the same without pot-bellied bobbies and bumbling 'tecs. But this doesn't diminish the underlying respect the force earns on the ground. A fair percentage of glimpses we have of the Police make us pretty impressed with their calm, command and sheer competence. And most of us are sensible enough to realise the media is hugely slanted and only reports the sensational departures from good behaviour. Except for Crimewatch, I suppose. Now don't have bad dreams...

Cyclone
20-05-2005, 07:42
Originally posted by sccsux
Why not?

This is the case in other avenues of employment (redundancy)! Why should a PO be any different?

no it is not. Redundancy is for when a job is no longer required.
Medical retirement is for when someone can no longer do the job for medical reasons.
And if there are other alternative roles available which they can do then it's perfectly normal for them to move into these roles.

Lickszz
20-05-2005, 18:07
Originally posted by technophobe
Lickszz: Youve obviously not read my previous post regarding bobbies on front line duties and their fitness otherwise you wouldnt have posted your comment about fitness being kept at a decent level.

All front line police officers have to keep fit and if they dont can be fined!!! These are uniformed officers. As for specialist departments they are more stringent and undertake fitness on a weekly if not daily basis. So As I said previously its only the older officers who have finished on front line that arnt as fit, but are as equally valueable as a resource.

I have very close friends and family who are in the job and I am not being protective just stating facts. Yes there may be 10% who are not 100% fit but dont forget some officers get injured on duty and sometimes its difficult for them to keep their fitness levels up. OR SHOULD THEY BE CAST ON THE RUBBISH HEAP JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NO USE ANYMORE!!!

Its so easy to slag others off without knowing facts..... how shallow some people are.

:rant:

I think you should re-read my post. I am mentioning annual fitness tests. Are you trying to tell me that these exist? If so can you tell me when they were introduced? If you care to read the South Yorkshire Police interview that was conducted with this site then you will see that this question was asked and the response was that there are no such tests in place!

I accept that this data may be out of date now, that is why I am asking for you to provide evidence that this has changed and these tests now exist.

As for front line officers been out of shape. Yes, I have seen many walking the beat whom were not what I would personally call in shape or fit enough to take part in a prolonged chase.

cloud
20-05-2005, 19:39
Originally posted by Lickszz
I think you should re-read my post. I am mentioning annual fitness tests. Are you trying to tell me that these exist? If so can you tell me when they were introduced? If you care to read the South Yorkshire Police interview that was conducted with this site then you will see that this question was asked and the response was that there are no such tests in place!

I accept that this data may be out of date now, that is why I am asking for you to provide evidence that this has changed and these tests now exist.

As for front line officers been out of shape. Yes, I have seen many walking the beat whom were not what I would personally call in shape or fit enough to take part in a prolonged chase.

I know a number of older officers, not especially fit who can solve some of the most cryptic of crimes. I know of some older officers, not especially fit, who do an amazing job day after harrowing day in the field of child protection. Its all about having the right mix of experience, expertise and compassion to provide a quality police service. Running is an important part of the work of the police, but it is by no means all that is required.

BoroughGal
20-05-2005, 19:41
Originally posted by technophobe

I think too many people are quick to judge our South Yorkshire officers when obviously there is good and bad in every authority, but that doesnt give people the right to slag every bobby off. Some of these officers actually care about us citizens.

Technophobe, I too have friends in the Police and agree with you.

But back on topic - hasn't the fitness test changed - can you (or your friends) tell us what the changes are??

:P

technophobe
23-05-2005, 12:37
To clarify....


In some roles fitness tests are performed regularly throughout a the year... as I mentioned some on a 4 weekly basis (In departments which require high fitness levels).

Generally for uniformed officers there is no such test but officers have to undertake fitness as part of other courses (self defence. first aid etc).

The fitness test is currently undergoing change, to assist in encouraging a more diverse recruit. I dont think anything has been agreed to date though.

Its nice to see Cloud and Cyclone on board.


joyphil: Yes I do like punch and judys local bobby although nowadays he would be hauled over the coals for not being politically correct.... but it was funny at the time.


:clap:

BoppinBruce
23-05-2005, 13:12
If you can perambulate in an easterly direction, feel someone's collar, bend you legs and say 'Evening All', catch someone when they are away on their toes, and keep to the letter of the law reference hoodies.....arresting monks in shopping centres....there is a future for you.

Good Luck

kingfisher
24-05-2005, 12:46
I cant remember the last time i saw a police officer walking the beat,my grandson wasnt accepted until he had a driving licence and he had passed his medical long ago

john t
24-05-2005, 18:10
Originally posted by pdrnsf
I am going to apply for the south yorks police force next year. Im just wondering if anyone can shed some light on the fitness test.

I have looked on the internet, and there isnt too many details given. For example, im on about a 11.5 minute mile at the minute, so if i had an idea if this was decent then i would be able to keep going/up it if necessary.

Im also quite ok with sit ups, but can only do the pansy womens knee press up things! Do they allow this, would take me a long time to muster up strength to do proper mens press ups!!

Has anyone any experience with recruiting latley?

Any info would be great Cheers.

Well mate an 11:30 mile is really slow,i'm ex army 43 and still do a 7:30 mile..need i say more.!!You would fail the basic army test by a mile if you did that speed..litterally.
But good luck anyway mate,you'll need it

jt