The physical fitness test

The Lexington Police Department administers the POPS physical fitness test to measure applicant physical preparedness. The test consists of five parts listed below:

Bench press (video) – This is a test to measure absolute strength. Lower the bar until contact is made with the chest to the 3-inch sponge. Then, from the down position, raise the bar toward the ceiling, until the full, yet soft extension of the elbow is obtained.

Sit-up test (video) – This is a test to measure the abdominal or trunk muscular endurance. While lying on the ground, the candidate will be given one minute to do as many bent-leg sit-ups as possible. Sit-ups are performed until the 11 point threshold is met or until the one-minute time limit is reached.

300-meter run (video) – This is a test to measure anaerobic power or the ability to make an intense burst of effort for a short period or distance. This test consists of sprinting 300 meters in 65 seconds or less. The entire body must cross the finish line.

Push-up test (video) – This is a test to measure muscular endurance. While in the up position, arms fully extended and legs extended so the body forms a straight line. Push-ups are performed until the 11 point threshold is met or until the two-minute time limit is reached.

1.5-mile run (video) – This is a test to measure aerobic power or cardiovascular endurance (the ability to have stamina over time). This test consists of running/walking or any combination as long as the appropriate distance is covered. The entire body must cross the finish line.

An overall score of 50 total points is required to move forward through the hiring process. A candidate may participate in the physical fitness testing in its entirety up to four times in a one-year period, which shall be calculated from the first date of testing.