July 21, 2016 2.49 pm This story is over 91 months old

Lincolnshire Police officers fail 19 compulsory fitness tests

Nineteen standard fitness tests were failed by Lincolnshire Police officers in a 12-month period. Data from the College of Policing has shown that 2.5% of the compulsory tests taken by officers from the force were unsuccessful between September 2014 and August 2015. Seven of the failed fitness tests were completed by men, with the remaining 12 unsuccessful…

Nineteen standard fitness tests were failed by Lincolnshire Police officers in a 12-month period.

Data from the College of Policing has shown that 2.5% of the compulsory tests taken by officers from the force were unsuccessful between September 2014 and August 2015.

Seven of the failed fitness tests were completed by men, with the remaining 12 unsuccessful tests taken by women.

The figures also revealed that a higher percentage of Lincolnshire Police officers are failing the test compared with the national average.

The national pass rate was 98%, with more than 1,800 fitness tests failed by officers in England and Wales.

Officers from all 43 forces underwent the fitness test, which has been designed to meet the same physical standard as that used when recruiting officers.

The fitness test is a 15 metre shuttle run which is based on scientific research, to match the aerobic demands of officer safety training.

The annual test, which became compulsory in 2014, requires officers to run 525 metres in three minutes 40 seconds or less.

If an officer is not able to pass the fitness test at the first attempt, the College advises forces to provide support and allow a series of at least two retakes.

The fitness test increases in difficulty depending on the role.

Officers who want to take up roles in the area of diving, firearms, air support, among others, are required to meet a higher standard.

National lead for fitness testing, Assistant Chief Constable Jo Shiner, said: “These results show that the vast majority of officers tested were fit and meet the standard required of them to protect the public.

“We know from previous years that slightly fewer female officers are passing and the College of Policing guidance on fitness tests has been carefully designed to support officers who are in this position, including advice on positive action measures such as specialised training and mentoring programmes.

“The public want their officers to be fit and able to protect them in the face of danger and these results show they are able to do just that.”

Lincolnshire Police has been contacted for a statement, but failed to respond at the time of publication.