Background

In response to legislation enacted by the 1998 Kentucky General Assembly, KRS 15.382, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, established physical training standards for pre-selection screening of peace officer applicants. The Department conducted a validation study to determine which areas of physical fitness are necessary to perform the job of a Kentucky peace officer, and the level of fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of Basic Training.

In 1998 a physical agility test battery was approved and adopted by the KLEC for use throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a mechanism to screen applicants. It also has been applied as an entrance and exit standard to the Basic Academy. The original test battery was composed of six items, each reflecting the underlying constructs required to perform police duties, as evidenced by a validated job-task analysis.

Currently, the test battery consists of five items. Dr. Bryant Stamford and Dr. Robert Moffatt completed the present study in the summer of 2009. This new approach employs an “overall” scoring scheme which allows a lower score on one test item to be compensated by a higher score on another test item.

What are the physical agility tests?

Five (5) physical agility tests will be given in three (3) hours, in the following order:

• Bench Press (% of body weight – conversion)

• Sit up Test (1 minute time limit)

• 300 Meter Run

• Push up Test (2 minute time limit)

• 1.5 Mile Run

What are the physical fitness areas to be tested?

The physical fitness areas that have been determined to be necessary for Kentucky Law Enforcement Officers are:

• Aerobic power or cardiovascular endurance

• Anaerobic power

• Absolute strength

• Muscular endurance

How is the test scored?

The matrix below is used to determine the points earned for each event. In order to meet the state standard, an overall minimum of 50 points must be achieved. Failure to meet the overall minimum requirement constitutes a failure for the test battery. Opportunities to retest are granted at the sole discretion of the hiring agency.

BENCH PRESS

Measures Absolute Strength

• ​​Body position: eyes in front of the bar, feet flat on the floor, both hands clasp the bar with a full thumb wrap.
• A 3-inch high sponge is secured to the bar and must make contact with the chest when the weight is lowered.
• Hips and back must remain in contact with the bench during the entire lift.
  
• Feet must remain flat on the floor during the entire lift.
  
• An administrator positioned on either side of the bar will assist to un-rack and re-rack the bar during all lifts.
• One warm up lift is required prior to attempting a lift for points. The weight of this warm up lift must be lower than the weight required to obtain a 9 point value.
• Lower the bar until contact is made with the 3-inch sponge.
• From the down position the bar is raised towards the ceiling, until a full, yet soft extension of the elbows is obtained.
• The test is over when there have been two failed lifts or the 11 point threshold is met.​
  

Training Tips for Bench Press

If possible, consult a fitness trainer to assist you with becoming familiar with the proper use and safety involved in using free weights. Do not attempt the bench press without proper instruction or spotting. A fitness trainer can also assist you with a program according to your body weight.

The starting weight for beginning bench press training is approximately 1/2 of the participant’s body weight. Follow the progression indicated by the chart.

REPS = (Repetitions) The number of times an exercise is repeated

SETS = The number of consecutive repetitions performed without rest

Special Note: Performing the bench press on a universal or machine-based piece of equipment can be significantly different than performing the bench press using free weights. Many universal or machine- based bench press apparatuses do not allow you to take in to account balance issues or the full weight through your entire range of motion. Tests will be administered using free weights, and as such, it is advised that training and/or preparation be practiced similarly.