The Influence of Physical Fitness on Reasons for Academy Separation in Law Enforcement Recruits

• Main Authors: Robert G. Lockie, Katherine Balfany, Ashley M. Bloodgood, Matthew R. Moreno, Karly A. Cesario, Joseph M. Dulla, J. Jay Dawes, Robin M. Orr
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2019-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: aerobic capacity; attrition; change-of-direction speed; deputy sheriff; graduation; high-intensity running; police; strength endurance; tactical
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/3/372

This study analyzed the effects physical fitness may have on reasons for academy separation in law enforcement recruits. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 401 recruits; 330 recruits graduated (GRAD), and 71 recruits separated at various times during academy. Twenty-eight recruits separated for personal reasons (SEPPR); 18 due to physical training failures (i.e., poor fitness) or injury (SEPFI); and 25 due to academic or scenario failures (SEPAS). Fitness testing occurred prior to academy, and included: Push-ups and sit-ups in 60s; a 75-yard pursuit run (75PR); vertical jump; medicine ball throw; and multistage fitness test (MSFT). A one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc compared between-group fitness test performance. A multiple stepwise regression calculated whether recruit characteristics or fitness could predict separation. The GRAD group was younger than the SEPAS group (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), faster in the 75PR than the SEPFI group (<i>p</i> = 0.02), and completed more MSFT shuttles than the SEPPR and SEPFI groups (<i>p</i> = 0.01). Age predicted GRAD and SEPAS group inclusion; MSFT predicted GRAD, SEPPR, and SEPFI group inclusion. Recruits who had superior high-intensity running capacity (75PR) and aerobic fitness (MSFT) should have a better chance of completing academy. However, this could be influenced by training practices adopted during academy.