FWC Law Enforcement Physical Assessments

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement (FWC) measures physical abilities deemed necessary to perform the duties of an FWC Officer through the administration of physical assessments based upon the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research Standards. Muscular endurance, dynamic strength, explosive power, cardio respiratory fitness and being able to swim a timed distance are the abilities to be evaluated.

This video shows how the test is administered: http://youtu.be/7hxeo3T5a4Q

Explosive Power - Vertical Jump

1. A measurement is taken to determine the applicant's highest reach.
2. Using vertical jump equipment, the applicant jumps and touches the highest possible vane.  Prior to jump one foot must remain stationary on the ground.
3. The jump height is the difference between the highest reach and the jump height.
4. The best of three tries is the score.

Back to Top

Dynamic Strength - 1 Minute Sit-Up

1. The applicant starts by lying on the back, knees bent, heels flat on the ground, with hands behind head with fingers interlaced. Avoid pulling on head with hands. The buttocks must remain on the ground with no thrusting of hips.
2. A partner holds feet down firmly.
3. The applicant then performs as many correct sit ups as possible in one minute.
4. In the up position, the individual must touch elbows to knees and then return until the shoulder blades touch the ground.
5. Score is the total number of correct sit ups. Any resting shall be done in the up position.
6. Breathing should be as normal as possible, making sure the applicant does not hold their breath.
7. Neck remains in neutral position.
8. Do not pull on head or neck.

Back to Top

Muscular Endurance - 1 Minute Push-Up

1. The hands are placed slightly more than shoulder width apart, with fingers pointing forward. The administrator places once fist on the ground below the applicants chest. If male is testing female, a 3 inch sponge shall be placed under the sternum to substitute for a fist.
2. Starting from the up position (elbows extended), the applicant must keep back straight at all times and lower the body towards the ground until the chest touches the administrators fist. The applicant then returns to the up position (elbows extended). This is one repetition.
3. The resting position is only in the up position. Both hands must remain in contact with the ground at all times.
4. The total number of correct pushups in one minute is recorded as the score.

Back to Top

Cardio-Respiratory Fitness - 1.5 Mile Run

1. Applicants should not eat a heavy meal or smoke for at least 2-3 hour prior to the test. Applicants should warm up and stretch thoroughly prior to the test.
2. If possible, each applicant should have experienced some practice in pacing prior to the test. Often applicants will attempt to run too fast early in the run and become fatigued prematurely.
3. The applicant runs 1.5 miles as fast as possible. If a 440 yard track is used, 6 laps must be completed using the inside lane. If using a 400 meter track, an additional 15 yards must be added after the 6 laps are completed.
4. During the administration of the test, the applicants can be informed of their lap times. Finish times are called out and recorded.
5. Upon completion of the test, a mandatory cool down period will be enforced. The applicants should walk slowly for about 5 minutes immediately after the run.

Back to Top

Swim Test

1. Applicant will enter pool without diving.
2. The applicant is required to swim 300 yards.
3. The applicant must swim continuously in a forward motion, without stopping, utilizing any stroke desired, while not touching the bottom of the pool.
4. The applicant is permitted to push off at the ends of the pool when making turns.
5. The applicant is not permitted to touch the lane dividers.