Requirements

Requirments

Be 21 years of age

High School Diploma

No felony convictions

Be a U.S. Citizen

Have a valid Illinois Driver’s License

Live within 15 miles of Chillicothe within 12 months after probation

Be able to legally carry a firearm

Hiring Process

Application

Written Test

Physical Test (POWER TEST)

Interview

Background Investigation

Psychological Test

Polygraph Test

Physical

Drug Screening

Fingerprinting

Conditional offer of Employment

Police Academy (14 weeks)

Field Training Program (12 weeks)

12 month probation program starting after FTO program

P.O.W.E.R. TEST

  1. Sit and Reach Test – This is a measure of the flexibility of the lower back and upper leg area.  It is an important area for performing police tasks involving range of motion and is important in minimizing lower back problems.  The test involves stretching out to touch the toes or beyond with extended arms from sitting position.  The score is in the inches reached on a yard stick with 15 inches being at the toes. (Pass/Fail)
  2. One Minute Sit-Up Test – This is a measure of the muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles.  It is an important area for performing police tasks that may involve the use of force and is an important area for maintaining good posture and minimizing lower back problems.  The score is the number of bent leg sit-ups performed in one minute. (Pass/Fail)
  3. One Repetition Maximum Bench Press – This is a maximum weight pushed from the bench press position and measures the amount of force the upper body can generate.  It is an important area for performing police tasks requiring upper body strength.  The score is a ratio of weight pushed divided by body weight. (Pass/Fail)
  4. 1.5 Mile Run – This is a time run to measure the heart and vascular systems’ capabilities to transport oxygen.  It is an important area for performing police tasks involving stamina and endurance and to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems.  The score is in the minutes and seconds.  (Pass/Fail)

Minimal Physical Fitness Performance Requirements Chart

MALE AGE FEMALE AGE
Test 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59
Sit and Reach 16.0 15.0 13.8 12.8 18.8 17.8 16.8 16.3
One Minute Sit-Up 37 34 28 23 31 24 19 13
Maximum Bench Press Ratio 0.98 0.87 0.79 0.70 0.58 0.52 0.49 0.43
1.5 Mile Run 13:46 14:31 15:24 16:21 16:21 16:52 17:53 18:44

Preparing the Physical Fitness Test

  1. Sit and Reach Test – Performing sitting type of stretching exercises daily will increase this area.  There are two recommended exercises:  Sit and Reach.  Do five repetitions of the exercise.  Sit on the ground with legs straight.  Slowly extend forward at the waist and extend the fingertips towards the toes (keeping legs straight).  Hold that for ten seconds.  Towel Stretch.  Sit on the ground with the legs straight.  Wrap towel around the feet holding each end with each hand.  Lean forward and pull gently on the towel extending the torso toward the toes.
  2. Sit-Up Test – The progressive routine is to do as many bent leg sit-ups (hands holding sides of head) as possible in one minute.  At least three times a week, do three sets (three groups of number of repetitions you did in one minute).
  3. One Repetition Maximum Bench Press – If you have access to weights, determine the maximum weight you can bench press one time.  Take 60% of that poundage.  This will be the training weight.  You should be able to do eight to ten repetitions of that weight.  Do three sets of eight to ten repetitions adding 2.5 to 5 lbs every week.  If you do not have weight equipment, then the push up exercise can be utilized.  Determine how many push ups you can do in one minute.  At least three times a week, do three sets of the amount you can do in one minute.
  4. 1.5 Mile Run – If you are not used to running, you should start on a gradual schedule where you start walking, increase the distance each week until you can start into a walk/jog, and then proceed into a jog for a recommended two miles decreasing the time each week.
Prepared by C.O.P.S. TESTING SERVICES, INC. solely for the sue of their clients.                                        power.cop