Peace Officers’ Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)

The Dr. Paul Schwann Centre performs official testing for sworn police officers. For more information visit www.uregina.ca/recservices/urfit/classschedule.html

POPAT Layout

Component 1 – Agility Run

Take the start position next to the starting marker. Proceed from ouPopat 1tside of marker 1 and run diagonally across the course. Jump and clear the six-foot mat. Once you land the jump, immediately turn to the left and continue around the outside of the marker. If you are called back to re-do the jump, be sure to take a running jump at it, beginning at the pylon. Run to the stairs and run up and down the stairs in any manner. It is important to touch at least 2 stairs per side. Run to the marker at the end of the course. Run around the outside of the marker, turn sharply and come back to the stairs, run up and over them again. Run around the outside of marker number 4 and turn towards the obstacle bars placed across the chairs. Each bar must be jumped separately. Should you knock down a stick, you are required to immediately place it back on the chair and re-do the jump. Continue to run around marker 5, then outside to the start marker to enter the course a second time. Repeat 6 times and then continue to the Push Pull station. Note: participants who knock down obstacle sticks must pick them up and place them back where they belong and then must re-do the jump.

Component 2 – Push/Pull Station

At the push pull machine, grab the rope and pull the weighPopat 3t off its rest. Immediately move through the arc and touch the line with your outside foot. Each arc is considered 1 touch. You must complete 6 touches. If the weight drops, you must start back at touch 1. You cannot lock your elbows – you must have a slight bend in them. You will be given 1 warning and asked to correct it. It is an 80 pound weight resistance. Once 6 touches have been completed, drop the pull rope and grasp the push handles of the machine. Push the weight off the base and immediately begin the activity of 6 touches. The arms must be bent at the elbows throughout the performance of the activity. If the weight falls, you must begin at touch 1. Note: six arcs must be completed with the weight being held off its base. For example, if the weight drops on arc 2, the next line touch would then become number 1.

Component 3 – Vault Station

From a standing position, drop down and place your chest on the maPopat 2t. Next from this position stand up and vault to the other side of the rail. Place one or both hands on the rail either in front or behind your body. Land in the standing position and drop down to the mat with your shoulder blades touching. From this position, stand up and vault back to the other side of the rail. Continue this activity until 10 touches have been alternately completed as previously described. You will have completed 9 vaults. Once you have completed the last vault stand up as quickly as possible. Your test completion time will be determined at this point. Note: should any error be made during the vault station, the specific activity must be repeated until it is performed correctly. Placing hands on the rail to pull yourself up is an error. Placing the foot on the rail is an error. Failing to touch the chest or the shoulder blades on the mat is an error.

The timed portion of this test is complete. The heart rate is taken and recorded on the testing sheet

Component 4 – Weight Carry

The weight carry must be performed within 30 seconds of the recording of the heart rate. Pick up the bag in a safe manner using both hands. Once the bag is off the floor it may be carried in front of the body with the arms. Carry the bag around the marker and return it carefully to the floor at the start position. Note: if the testing participant is unable to lift and carry the weight, he/she fails the test.

Format for Testing:Recruit 6

  1. Testing participants are to provide medical clearance for testing.
  2. Testing participants are tested for resting heart rate and blood pressure measurements prior to the test and upon the completion of the test.
  3. POPAT testers will provide a full, concise explanation of the components as they are stated in the POPAT testing protocol.
  4. Testing participants will be provided with a visual demonstration of each component.
  5. 30 – 45 minutes will be made available to allow candidates enough time to experience and practice or learn all requirements of the test. Following this practice portion, if a testing candidate feels they are not prepared to run the test, they have the opportunity to notify a tester and they will be officially withdrawn from the test.
  6. Once the testing period begins, the tester will ask the candidate if there are any questions or if there are any areas of the test which require further explanation. The candidate can then assume the starting position at station number 1.
  7. All candidates must complete the required course in 4 minutes and 45 seconds or less.