BLUF
The study “The Influence of Physical Fitness on Reasons for Academy Separation in Law Enforcement Recruits” analyzed 401 recruits from five academy classes at a Southern California law enforcement agency. It found that aerobic fitness (as measured by the multistage fitness test) and high-intensity, multi-directional running (measured by the 75-yard pursuit run) were the strongest predictors of academy success. Strength endurance and upper/lower body power were not significant factors. To improve graduation rates, both recruits and academies should prioritize aerobic conditioning and consider reducing running volumes to prevent injuries.
Study Overview
The study classified the recruits into four groups based on their academy outcomes:
- Graduated group: Recruits who successfully completed the academy.
- Personal separation group: Recruits who voluntarily left the academy for personal reasons.
- Physical failure or injury group: Recruits who left due to physical training failures or injuries.
- Academic failure group: Recruits who left due to academic or scenario-based failures.
Fitness tests conducted included push-ups, sit-ups, the 75-yard pursuit run (75PR), vertical jump, medicine ball throw, and the multistage fitness test (MSFT). These tests assessed the recruits’ strength endurance, aerobic capacity, and agility, among other attributes. The researchers sought to determine if the fitness levels of the recruits could predict their likelihood of successfully graduating or separating from the academy.
Fitness Testing Protocols
Push-Ups (Upper-Body Muscular Endurance):
Recruits performed as many push-ups as possible within 60 seconds. Proper form was ensured by requiring the recruit’s chest to touch a tester’s fist for each repetition.
Sit-Ups (Abdominal Muscular Endurance):
Recruits completed as many sit-ups as possible within 60 seconds, with their hands crossed on their chest and feet held down. They had to touch their elbows to their knees to count each repetition.
Vertical Jump (Lower-Body Power):
The vertical jump was measured using a Vertec apparatus, where recruits jumped vertically to tap the highest reachable vane. The difference between the standing reach and jump height was recorded.
Medicine Ball Throw (Upper-Body Power):
Recruits threw a 2-kg medicine ball from a seated position against a wall as far as possible using a two-handed chest pass.
75-Yard Pursuit Run (75PR):
The 75-yard pursuit run simulated a law enforcement foot pursuit, assessing high-intensity running and agility.
- Setup: A square grid with 12.1-meter sides was set up. Recruits completed five linear sprints across the grid, with four direction changes (zig-zagging). During three sprints, they had to step over barriers simulating roadside curbs (0.15 meters high).
- Measurement: Time was recorded using a stopwatch from the first movement until the recruit crossed the finish line.
- This test simulated real-life scenarios that officers would face in foot chases, combining speed, agility, and the ability to navigate obstacles.
Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT):
The MSFT, also known as the “beep test,” measures aerobic capacity, particularly VO2 max.
- Setup: Recruits ran between two lines spaced 20 meters apart, timed to beeps that progressively increased in frequency.
- Objective: Recruits had to reach the line before the beep. The test continued until the recruit failed to reach the line twice in a row.
- Scoring: The test was scored based on the total number of shuttles completed by each recruit.
This test is a common measure of aerobic fitness, particularly important for law enforcement officers who need to sustain physical effort over extended periods.
Key Findings
Aerobic Capacity and Running Ability:
Recruits who graduated performed significantly better in both the 75-yard pursuit run and the MSFT compared to those who separated due to physical training failures or injuries. The recruits who separated voluntarily for personal reasons also demonstrated lower aerobic capacity compared to those who graduated.
High-intensity running capability (measured by the 75-yard pursuit run) and aerobic fitness (measured by the MSFT) were the most important predictors of academy success.
Age and Academic Performance:
Recruits who failed due to academic or scenario-based reasons tended to be older. The study suggested that older recruits may face difficulties recovering from the physical and psychological stresses of the academy, which could affect their performance in academic or training scenarios.
Strength Endurance and Power:
Strength endurance tests (push-ups and sit-ups) and power tests (vertical jump and medicine ball throw) did not significantly predict whether a recruit would graduate or separate from the academy.
Recommendations
Pre-Academy Training:
Recruits should focus on improving their aerobic capacity and high-intensity running ability (linear and multi-direction) before entering the academy. These were the most critical factors influencing whether a recruit graduated.
Adjusting Physical Training:
The study suggests that law enforcement academies should reconsider their training models, particularly the emphasis on high running volumes. Excessive running may cause injuries or lead to burnout for recruits who are not adequately prepared, contributing to higher separation rates.
Injury Prevention:
The study recommends that academies reduce the running volume to prevent unnecessary injuries without sacrificing overall fitness. Recruits may benefit from a more individualized training program that considers their current fitness levels.
Conclusion
The study concludes that aerobic fitness and high-intensity running ability are critical predictors of success for law enforcement recruits in academy training. Strength endurance and upper/lower body power, though commonly tested, did not significantly impact outcomes. The findings suggest that recruits and academies should prioritize aerobic conditioning and individualized training plans to maximize graduation rates and reduce separations caused by physical or academic challenges.