Tearing Down the Wall: Problems with Consistency, Validity, and Adverse Impact of Physical Agility Testing in Police Selection

Abstract

This article examines the literature on the physical demands of police work, the use of physical agility testing in police selection, and women's performance as police officers. A survey was conducted with 62 police agencies regarding their physical agility test and the representation of sworn women. Results indicate that the vast majority (89%) of agencies use some form of physical agility testing for entry-level selection, and agencies with a test have 31% fewer sworn women than agencies without such a test (15.8% vs. 10.9%). Results also demonstrate a striking lack of agreement regarding the physical capabilities that should be tested and the standards that should be used to evaluate successful performance. In light of these results, women's proven ability to perform as police officers, and the legal requirements of preemployment testing, the article concludes by reviewing alternatives for physical agility testing in police officer selection.