Federation: New fitness tests “important alternative” for cops

NEW fitness tests introduced into policing will enable officers with lower limb conditions and other impairments to continue in their roles.

The College of Policing endorsed two new fitness tests that give officers an “important alternative” to the standard fifteen metre shuttle run, South Yorkshire Police Federation said.

All forces in England and Wales will have the option to offer the alternative fitness tests – the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test (CTPWT) and the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test (CTPRT) – after changes to the guidelines.

After a warm-up, the new tests see the officer being required to walk at a brisk pace or run on the treadmill for ten minutes – with the gradient being increased every two minutes.

Zuleika Payne, Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said the bleep test can exacerbate existing injuries because the turn at the end of each length can compromise the knees.

She said: “In the interests of fairness, it is important that we offer something that’s consistent and still controlled where officers can demonstrate their aerobic capability.”

However, officers who do struggle to pass fitness tests need to have a closer look at their general health, in case their problems are symptomatic of an underlying condition she added.

She said: “If officers are struggling with fitness tests then maybe consideration should be given to other health issues – there could be something that is affecting the officers they are not aware of. So the fitness test almost acts as a health screen which could be indicative of other issues that the officer may be advised to explore further.”

“There’s a lot of support out there and this is about seeking that early intervention. If officers have concerns, obviously where officers repeatedly fail a fitness test there is advice and guidance and help can be given by the occupational health service.”

She added: “So it’s not for officers to worry, but actually to be proactive generally keeping themselves fit and preventing injury in the long run.”