Hello from a new member

[Lich]

Hi, everyone.

First, please allow me to thank the staff for allowing me to join this group.

Here's a little information about me: I'm a young guy, living in Wilmington, DE. I found this site a few days ago while searching for tips on the basic police application process.

I'm a college graduate, though I majored in Business Management, not Criminal Justice. Right now I'm working on my application to the Wilmington (DE) Police Department. The process is sure to be long, but I'm willing to give it all I have. Hopefully I'll perform well enough to stay in the running and be offered a chance to attend the Academy.

The only real hurdle I will have trouble beating is the Physical Ability Test. I'm not the greatest athlete (an understatement), though I feel if I have enough determination, I'll get through it and move on to the selection parts in which I will truely shine.

Thanks again for allowing me to join. I greatly appreciate the support of this community in my efforts. I'll try to keep you posted as to my results. Who knows, in a few months I could be on my way to my dream job, and I'll be sure to thank you all for your help.

[Charlie]

Lich--Welcome Lich! If I may suggest, why not register with this site? We don't bite or anything and I think most everyone here bathes with regularity! ;D

I would encourage you to explore previous threads concerning a variety of issues. Perhaps it might answer some lingering questions you might have but were afraid to ask.

I know that I, and many others here in the biz, often try to help others out with a variety of suggestions and advice. Feel free to fire away with any questions you might have.

Good luck to your in your pursuits with Wilmington, DE PD.

Charlie

[lich]

Hello, everyone. This is my second post, and an update as to what is going on in my employment search.

I have a few days left to turn in my application, and I'm finishing the fine points. I finally received my college transcripts, which (along with my high school transcripts) must be submitted with the completed application.

That (though frustrating enough - from finding my selective service number to remembering my employment history) was the easy part! I've been working on a diet and exercise program for the past week, and it hasn't been easy.

The physical test I'm so worried about has five parts. Pushups and situps are two, a running test is one part, a flexibility test is another, and an obstacle course is the last part.

Here are the minimum scores for my gender and age group:

Pushups (one minute): 20-34
Situps (one minute): 33-36
Running (1.5 miles): 14:00-12:00
Flexibility: Pass/Fail
Obstacle course: Pass/Fail

The flexibility test is a variation on others I've seen. I'll have to sit on a flat surface, legs extended before me, feet together. Then, I will have to extend my fingers past my toes (to the second joint of the finger) without raising my legs from the ground. Applicants have one try to complete the test.

The obstacle course is pretty interesting. I'll begin by sitting in a police car. I'll be given the description of a suspect, and will have to travel 300m while running between obstacles. Obstacles will include climbing a six-foot high fence, climbing through a window, and crawling under an obstruction. Then, I will reach five "suspects", and must pick out the one I'm supposed to be looking for, based on the information I was given at the start of the course. Finally, I need to pick up or drag a hundred and fifty pound dummy five feet to simulate pulling a person to safety.

Insider information (friend of a recent hire to the department) tells me I have about two months from the date I submit my application to the date in which testing will begin. I intend to use every day to my advantage.

So, here's where I stand:

Pushups: I can do about four or five without falling. This is my weakest area. On the bright side, hitting the weights this week, I have added about thirty pounds to my bench press. Probably not all that impressive, but I think it's a good way to start.

Situps: This one I've got nailed cold. My abdominal muscles are very strong.

Running: I've broken the 1.5 miles down into six quarter mile segments. My goal is to run all six consecutively at a 2:20 or better pace per lap. That will put me in under the minimum. Currently, I can get about three non-consecutive laps in at or under time for the course. Again, this is a weak area, but one I am sure I can work up to in two months.

Flexibility: Another one I do not have yet, but am working on improving. Currently, I can get my knuckles to the floor (knees straight), while standing with shoes on. The problem seems to be when I try to do it from a sitting position, more of my back muscles are called in to stretch, and they aren't exactly used to it. Still, every day I feel more confident about this one.

Obstacle course: This is sort of a combination of all the other tests. I know I'll ace this one if I can pass the others.

Whew! This is a ton of writing. Congratulations to anyone who read through all of this.

I'll try to re-post as things develop, and hopefully get more intereting. Thanks for your support!

[Charlie]

Lich--It generally sounds like to me you're doing the rightthings to prep yourself for the testing dates. And it sounds like you really only need to improve upon your stretching and push ups. I'd say in two months you ought to be able to accomplish those goals with little difficulty. That is, assuming you're in good overall physical condition.

Just remember a few things (and it generally depends upon who you're applying with for a job):

* There are no "magic bullets" that will guarentee you're going to be hired the first time through.

* Departments differ on their standards and expectations.

* Expect the possibility you may go through part or the whole process and may NOT get hired.

Just be sensible and practicle about what you are doing to improve your physical conditioning. Common sense and good judgment.

Just my thoughts.

Charlie

[T.COTE]

lich
First off welcome to the group. You will find many people here full of experiences that you can learn from.
As to your physical training, I have a push up excerise that will blow you away. It is easy and very productive. I have seen a couple variations but this is how I do it. While watching T.V. during the commericals I take a deck of cards. Get into a push up format and flip the card. Then you do the numerical value of that card. ( if it is a 5 do five push ups) If it is a face card do ten. Once you get real good you can start increasing the value of the face cards. ( a jack is 11, queen is 12, king is 13, ace I always keep as 1) I also hate doing just two or three pushups at a time so I do this; If I draw a 2 I call it a "chance" then flip the next card. If it is a 5 then I do 7 pushups. The only down fall is if you draw a face card!

This I found keeps training from being boring. You are allowed to go your own pace. The commericals is a good idea because it manadates rest between sets. I do as many sets ( cards ) as I can during a commerical set. You will get results GUARANTED!!!!!! You will also be sore the next day so be sure to stretch even if you don't think you will need it. Believe me when you wake up the next day you will feel it. I hope this works out for you. Remember training is important and so is pushing yourself, but nothing is worth getting hurt over.

Have fun and good luck.


T.COTE

[lich]

I've thought long and hard about it, and I have accepted the fact that no matter how hard I try or how well I do in the testing, there are going to be a number of qualified applicants for a limited number of positions. Considering I will probably not be a fitness superstar by the time of the testing, my realistic hope is to meet all the minimum scores and hope to really shine in the mental testing.

Charlie: I believe you entirely about the "magic bullet" myth. Even with a relative in a lieutenant's position in the department (I'm sure I'll get a great recommendation there), I can't help but think the only real help I would get is if I'm really in the running with other applicants. In other words, I have no intention of relaxing my efforts, though I still know I may not be offered a position.

T.COTE: Thanks for the tip on the pushups. I'll be sure to try it! Also, good point about not getting injured. As I have a limited amount of time to train, I can't be held back by any injuries. I'm not able to run with a sprained ankle or anything like that, I'm just taking a lot of preventive measures. Stretching is important of course. Proper form is also important in injury avoidance. Especially when it comes to weight lifting, form must always be more important than the number of reps I get - it's far too easy to pull a muscle (or worse) by doing an exercise the wrong way. Thanks for looking out for me there.

Here's an update: I weighed in for the first time since last Tuesday. I've lost about twelve pounds so far! For my health alone, that's great. Also, I know I haven't put my numbers up yet, mostly out of embarassment. I am now 5'9", weighing 238 pounds. Considering the health sites and magazines I've read over the years, I figure I can safely lose about two pounds a week. If I have eight weeks (two months before the test), I can weigh in at close to 220 pounds! I can't remember the last time I was that light.

Something else to consider (for anyone else in a position similar to mine): The more I exercise, the better my numbers will be on the test. Makes sense, right? Also, the more fat I lose, the lighter I'll be, and thus my body will have to work less (run with less weight, do pushups with less weight, and so on) to train. So I'll be able to literally do more with less. It just goes to remind me that both the diet and exercise are crucial to good health and weight control.

Thanks!