NCJ Number
123858
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 37-49
Date Published
1990
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The Police Academy at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (Canada) completed a comprehensive task analysis of the physical work associated with the performance of police officers' duties for the purpose of developing a physical test to measure the minimal physical abilities required for police tasks.
Abstract
A literature review provided knowledge of legal concerns, validation procedures, the effects of physical testing on females, human rights issues and legislation, and current physical abilities tests in use. A total of 217 police officers, with an average service of 8 years, returned 2,331 forms that provided 9,612 records of duty-related physical activities. The analysis attached physical activities such as running, jumping, climbing, lifting and carrying, pulling and pushing to job tasks. The data led to the development of the Police Officers' Physical Abilities Test (POPAT). The first station of POPAT involves a 440-yard run that includes tests of jumping, mobility and agility, stair climbing, obstacle avoidance, and cardiovascular fitness. Other stations involve dynamically controlling 80 pounds of resistance; a modified squat, thrust, and stand to test maximal cardiovascular stress; and lifting and carrying 100 pounds 50 feet. 2 tables, 1 figure, 29 references.