Overview
The job of a Police Constable can be a very physically demanding. All new recruits are expected to have a reasonable level of personal physical fitness in order to do the job safely.
Physical Training in Advance of Joining the PSNI
As a general guide the PSNI suggests that if you are not already taking exercise it would be worth your while to start training in preparation for joining.
The advice is: Train to improve the strength and endurance of your upper body and legs. Incorporate running, rowing, stepping or swimming. As a target you should aim to be capable of running a distance of 3 miles without stopping. Remember you should always warm up and stretch, prior to commencing and after finishing any physical activity.
There is currently no Physical Assessment as part of the recruitment process managed by Deloitte, however you will be required to pass a physical competence assessment on joining the PSNI, so it would be worthwhile starting early and building up your overall levels of fitness gradually.
Physical Education and Personal Safety Programme and Assessment
As part of the Student Officer Training Programme (SOTP) you will undergo a rigorous Physical Education and Personal Safety Programme.
You will be required to attend PE classes each week, which include a variety of sessions including circuit runs, weight training and assessments. Students are required to wear a uniform PE kit which will be provided at a cost to the individual.
Your physical fitness will be tested on a number of occasions. You will have to pass Physical Competency and Personal Safety Assessments during the SOTP (prior to attestation to the rank of Probationer Constable) and a final Physical Competency Assessment (prior to the end of the probation period).
The Physical Competence Assessment (PCA)
The Physical Competence Assessment (PCA) has been designed to reflect the day-to-day activities encountered by police officers in the PSNI.
Please view the video footage of the PCA (will play after short delay, Flash Player / Java Script enabled necessary):
The first element of the PCA requires students to complete 3 laps of a circuit of activities, including crawling, jumping, stair climbing, weaving, carrying and dragging within a set time.
The second element of the PCA requires students to push and pull over 20 seconds on a purpose built machine designed to replicate the actions associated with operational police work.
To successfully complete the Physical Competence Assessment, students must demonstrate a certain minimum competence in both parts of the assessment.