Thank you

[swest]

I stumbled upon this web-site while searching around the internet for information on Law Enforcement.  And I just wanted to say that I have found this Message Board to be very interesting and beneficial to my endeavors.  Currently, I am in the application process for a major Police Department in Illinois.  I have  passed the written test and am now moving on to the Physical Test in a few weeks.  Seeings as I don't know anyone closely who is in Law Enforcement , I was unsure of what to expect.  But after reading the postings and comments, I am much more aware of what to expect, and less nervous about the whole process.  So thank you!  

[swest]

Hello All-
Just a quick update.  I figured this information may be valuable to people out there.....
I had my physical test on 4/20.  It is called the P.O.W.E.R. test here in Illinois.  It consisted of a Sit and Reach, Sit-Ups, Bench Press, and a 1.5 mile run.  I started conditioning for this back in November when I turned in my application.  I figured I was in good shape, but still I was very nervous on Saturday.....Well, when I got there, there were about 100 people.  Keep in mind I am testing for a city with a population of over 1 million, therefore, they will be hiring 600-800 officers this round.  Which is a lot!  They had the physical test over the span of 4 weekends.  They put us in groups of 6 according to age and sex.  I was placed with 4 males and one other female.  When all was said and done, I passed!  I don't think I have ever been so happy!  On to the next step on 4/28, which is handing in your college transcripts and taking some sort of test (they really are not informing us ahead of time what exaclty goes on in each step).  You need at least 60 hours of college course work or 4 years of continuous Military Experience.  Well, I will keep you all informed as to my progress.  As JimCMR pointed out to me, any town with over 1 million population does not have to follow the same rules for hiring as other towns, so I hope this information is useful to anyone out there in the same shoes as me!

[JimCMR]

Hi;

Glad to hear you passed the POWER test, I have known many who didn't, so you should be proud.

Just a clairification on the over one million population, that is in Illinois, and there is only one city over one million.  I don't know what other states do.

Keep up the good work, and we will be looking forward to you telling us when you have been hired.

Good luck.   JimCMR

[ace13]

Hi Swest,

Well, congrats on passing the physical exam.  I have to do a similar physical test for a police force here in Canada.  Did your test consist of body fat testing? Here, it do, it consists of the sum of five skinfolds as well as, 100 yard sprint, 1.5 mile run, bench press, chin ups, push ups, sit and reach and curl ups.  Are there any tips that you can offer me?

Thanks
Ace13

[[e-mail]]

Good job swest

I think we are on the same track I also tested for your department. Did they explain to your group not to expect the academy anytime soon. We where told it would be 6-7 months before anyone even saw the academy and to not quit your job. I also applied for the local s.o. and took their physical aptitude test you should try looking into that department also the physical test is much easier than the power test. This site has been very informative for me. I'd like to thank the creators and everyone that shares their experiences. Goodluck in the background and physc. hopefully we do see the academy in 6-7 months. ;D

         

[swest]

Hello all-
In responce to ACE13, fortunately, we did not have to do a body fat test, so I guess I lucked out in that respect  
My advice to you is start working out AT LEAST 2 months before your test.  Now, I have always thought I was in good shape, that is until I started working out.  I started back in November when I turned in my application.  The hardest thing for me was the bench, because I am a tiny little woman  
Work on the things that you will be tested on mostly.  And don't just try to reach what you are supposed to do, try and surpass it.  It makes your goals more easily attainable.  I was so suprised at how many people I heard say that they just started working out a few weeks beforehand, or some not at all, and then were mad when they did not pass.  If this is something very important to you, you will work on it, and you will make it.  So, that is my advice to you.  And good luck with everything ACE13!
In responce to C 17, yep, sounds like we are doing the same testing!  It's nice to find somebody who knows wha I am going through    And yes, they did say it would be 6 - 7 months before the academy.  Which was surprising to me, because when I turned in my application, they made it sound as if it would be in July.  But oh well, I guess we'll just have to wait!  Good luck with your process as well!  I am sure you will do great!  Keep me up to date!

[JimCMR]

to C17

You mention the Sheriff's dept having an easier physical ability test.  That may be so, but be advised, in Illinois, you will need to pass the POWER test in the Academy, unless you passed it before.  I know of no way aroung it.  So be prepared for it.

JimCMR

[ace13]

Thanks for your tips Swest.  I think that I might go and get tested here by a fitness company, before I head to Ontario for the physical test up there.  Then, I know exactly what aspects of the test that I have to improve on.  I don't think the bench press will be a problem for me because I only have to bench press my body weight minus 20 lbs for full marks, and I can do that.  But I have to improve my flexibility, push ups and speed for the sprint for sure.  It's nice to chat with another female about training and different aspects of the recruitment process.  Good luck with everything and keep the board posted with your progress.

later
Ace13

[Romano]

Ace13, you say you are going to get fitness tested?  Are there places that can test your fitness and let you know how fit you are to be a cop?  If you know of these places I would be interested in knowing how to take advantage of them.  Any edge or help in the hiring process is something I am very interested in.  Thanks.

[ace13]

Romano,

I am going to a conditioning specialist here in Newfoundland, he and a few others has a private company that does personal training, fitness testing etc.  He is going to test all the components that I wish to have tested for $30 canadian.  Most fitness centers or gyms, depending on your location, have some sort of fitness test.  Or another option would be to check with the closest university.  I know that here, they complete a physical test at the physical education department at the University.  Good luck.

Ace13