Do all new recruits need to be in perfect condition?

[Dr Mario]

It's something I keep asking myself as I go into training. I know that my running game isn't quite up to par but I just wonder if recruits come into this in their best physical condition and if I should step my game up to compete amongst the rest of these people?

This is something that is keeping me from trying out this year because I don't want to even go for it till I feel that I'm in the tip top of shape; but when I tell this to my family and friends, they all say I shouldn't waste anymore time and I should just do it.

Just don't want to do it till I know I'm a shoe-in, ya'know?

[squadcar]

Well, try to be in as best shape as possible. The training will be tough and you'll have to be in good shape to handle it. I won't even mention what you might be doing once you hit the streets.

I'm not a cop, so don't listen to me :p

EDIT: Just try to meet the phsyical requirements for that PD?

[Hekim]

Test yourself against the times and reps you need to do in order to pass. Some tests at depts, which I dont understand, dont have the physical agility test as a pass/fail. They say it's used for a bench mark for the applicant to know where they are at based on what needs to be passed at the academy. There's no doubt though, that they use the results anyway.

If you are able to pass the physical requirements easily, then go for it. If you are close, or just behind, IMO I would train more. I personally trained for a couple years before I tested. I kind of screwed myself though, since I was 32 when I started testing (wife had a little to do with that too ;) ). But, I can honestly say I'm in the best shape I've ever been in my life. I wanted to be though, because when I get on the dept, those fellow officers will rely on me to be in good shape.

Good luck and stay safe.

[chbix]

I am not in the best shape I could be, although I have droped ~ 30 lbs in the last 3 months just in order to become an LEO. I want to lose about 30-50 more lbs (I started at 285 and am now hovering around 250 and want to end up between 200-225lbs) Running is my issues as well, I am training now to lose wieght and condition for the agility tests and using their time limits as my guide as to how well im doing. the next academy start is in march, so I know I have ~ 6 months to continue training, however I will be testing in ~ 1 month. So my goal right now is to be able to pass the agility test, but I know that I have another 5 months past that to train for the academy, since it takes such a long time to go from applying to testing, to interview, to BI, to interview to going to the academy.

Your situation may be a little different with regards to the time frame, and I know that I was skeptical when I applied 4 weeks ago about being able to pass the test but the more I run the better I am feeling the more my confidence is up.
Again it comes back to the time frame, I want to start in march and have read the horror stories of it taking 6 months + to get through everything. So I took a chance.

[BLHutch]

I'm 13 weeks into a 20 week academy right now. I thought I was in shape when it started. I passed the physical test for the agency with no problems. However, in the academy it is a whole different ball game. I was actually out of shape compared to some of the other people. I've shown quite a bit of improvement over the past few months because I had a lot to improve on! I would recommend being in the best shape possible by the first day of class.

That said, the PT standards at my academy are gradual. What we did the first week is not anything like we are doing now. They work us into longer runs, etc. I'm sure they do that at most places, but looking back on it, I wish I had been in better shape when I started.

Hutch

[squeeeg]

My PT is hard. I wasn't really in shape but have always been fairly athletic. I passed the physical standards test with no problems but that is nothing compared to what class is like. You will be tired no matter what kind of shape you are in to start. We work until muscle failure every day(3 days a week). The only advice that I can give you is never try harder then 100%, you will be looked down upon for it.

Our class started really hard. The Sgt. pushed very very hard in the first 2 weeks to weed out people that wouldn't be able to cut it. After that was done we did a baseline test and then started with the workouts. They do get harder every week.

[Mike Romeo]

I always worked out in the gym and ran on a regular basis when I was in the military and I really stepped it up during the year before I went into the academy. By the time the academy started I was already working out at a pace that was equal to, or higher, than the academy standard, and I think it's what kept the pain down for me, especially during denfensive tactics. It really helped me to have my resistance to aerobic stress up high because we really got beat up with the DT warm ups every day.

The long group runs also went a hell of a lot easier because I was already training at a higher level. All in all, I'm glad I prepared at the level I did because I also needed it on the street. I get into foot pursuits pretty often.

[Samuel]

It's something I keep asking myself as I go into training. I know that my running game isn't quite up to par but I just wonder if recruits come into this in their best physical condition and if I should step my game up to compete amongst the rest of these people?

This is something that is keeping me from trying out this year because I don't want to even go for it till I feel that I'm in the tip top of shape; but when I tell this to my family and friends, they all say I shouldn't waste anymore time and I should just do it.

Just don't want to do it till I know I'm a shoe-in, ya'know?

IMO:

You can never be in too good of a shape.
The academy should not get you into shape, just fine tune you.
Prior to you joining, you should be shooting to exceed the PT requirements at the END of that particular academy.
If LE is your career choice, you should be "stepping up your [PT/DT] game" Not for competing against your fellow recruits but for Saving Your Life or Your Partners' Lives.
Just because you're physically ready doesn't mean you'll be a "shoe in" - there are other requirements and considerations. The sooner you begin the process, the sooner you'll know...

[mcsap]

Since we don't know you , we need to know that you are in good shape and aren't hiding any underlying " ailments". If you can run, jump, lift , do pushups, situps etc. than you must be in decent shape.

We had a guy take our test and after the run he came inside at sat down on the floor. After a while he couldn't get up to move onto the next step. At age 25 you wouldn't have guessed it but he had a heart condition that he tried to hide and ended up in the hospital for it that day !!

[mobrien316]

I get into foot pursuits pretty often.

Try to work on your glare.

If you glare at 'em they are afraid to run away...


:D