A Message from the Director on Physical Fitness Standards

If there is a consistent problem with many of our applicants, it is that they take the physical fitness standards too lightly. The State of New Mexico has some of the toughest physical fitness standards for police officers in the nation.

When I meet a new applicant, the first thing I cover is the physical fitness standards. I make sure they are aware of what is required of them and stress the importance of an exercise program so that they can meet the standards. I make it clear that if they do not successfully complete these standards they cannot attend the Police Academy.

Let me say that again. IF APPLICANTS DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS THEY CANNOT ATTEND THE POLICE ACADEMY.

For self sponsored applicants (those not yet employed by a law enforcement agency) this means a loss of the money spent on the medical and psychological examinations, which must be completed before the physical fitness assessment. Currently these exams together cost almost $900.00. That is $900.00 thrown away because the applicant cannot attend the academy for failing the physical fitness standards.

Even though I make this clear to each applicant, it is amazing how many show up without having taken the necessary steps to prepare for the physical fitness assessment. When an applicant stops running after 2 laps around the track because they can't breathe, it is pretty clear they have done nothing to prepare.

When I advise applicants of the standards, I often hear, "Oh, I'm not worried about that, I just got out of the military." Or, "We play a lot of basketball, I stay pretty active they won't be any problem." Or, "I run on the treadmill, I'll be able to do it, easy." These are often the same people who fail.

There are a lot of different ways to prepare for the fitness standards, but there is only one way to know if you can do them. That is, DO THEM as part of your exercise program.

Applicants should be on a consistent exercise program that includes running, flexibility, and strength training. This program should start several months before the academy is scheduled to begin. Applicants should test themselves once a week on the standards to see if they can be done. The day of assessment should not be the first time you have tried the standards.

There are 5 physical fitness standards. They are described in detail below, but they include: 1.5 mile run, 300 meter run, 1 minute push up, 1 minute sit up, and sit and reach.

Applicants fail the 1.5 mile run more often than anything else, by far. This is followed by the sit ups. This does not mean that applicants can neglect preparing for the other 3 standards, but it is an indication of where others have had trouble. By preparing for all the standards and consistently testing yourself on each, you will know what areas you need to concentrate more on.

There is no substitute for knowing if you can do the standards, other than just doing them. This is mostly true for the 1.5 mile run. Running on a treadmill DOES NOT equate to running outside on the road or on a track. The best way to prepare is to include running on a standard track or on the road. The 1.5 mile run is 6 laps around a standard track. You can also try to find a flat piece of road and measure off 1.5 miles. Knowing how to pace yourself is often the difference between success and failure. You can only know this if you have practiced at the specific 1.5 mile distance.

Another thing to consider is altitude. Our fitness assessment is done at an altitude of 6000 feet. This can have a significant impact on those who are from lower elevations. Just because you can make the run at 3000 feet doesn't mean you can make it at 6000 feet. If possible, you should try to include some exercise at higher elevations.

We encourage applicants to start an exercise program early. It is difficult to tell how early this should be done. For some applicants 3 to 6 months is adequate. Others may need up to a year. It depends on the level of fitness the individual has when starting their program. There is no shortage of good exercise programs out there. We encourage you to look at the fitness standards and then choose what will work for you.

Remember, before starting an exercise program it is advisable to see your doctor to make sure that it is medically safe for you to begin such a program.

Just so it is clear, let me say it one more time.

IF APPLICANTS DO NOT SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS THEY CANNOT ATTEND THE POLICE ACADEMY.

Good Luck!

Steven M. Chavez
Director