Policing Services

Constable Selection System

Constable Selection Information Package

Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police - PREP

FIT TO SERVE! – Introduction

Policing takes place in a complex world that requires fast thinking and quick reactions. The profession demands many skills, both mental and physical. To test your suitability, the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, has developed the Constable Selection System.

The System has four tests which determine eligibility for an employment interview:

• an aptitude test;
• a written communications test;
• a physical skills and abilities test; and
• a video simulation test.

The Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) is the name of the physical skills and abilities test.

Background

The PREP was developed over a two-year period by experts in the areas of policing, fitness and equality rights to ensure it is an unbiased and valid occupational requirement for policing. It is based on a comprehensive scientific process. We are confident that the PREP effectively identifies those individuals who possess the physical capabilities needed to meet the rigorous demands of policing.

To validate the PREP, researchers:

• conducted a comprehensive job analysis to identify policing tasks in which the safety of the police constable, co-workers or the public would be threatened by ineffective performance;
• compared the job simulation tasks in the PREP with on-the-job policing tasks; and
• established standards of acceptability based on the performance times of experienced female police officers.

In April 2002, the Ontario Human Rights Commission determined that requesting Police Constable candidates to pass the PREP is a reasonable and bona fide requirement.

Purpose

The purpose of this guide is:

1. to inform you about the individual components of the PREP, how to successfully complete each, and how you will be evaluated;
2. to provide exercise training guidelines to help you improve your capability to succeed at the PREP test; and
3. to show you how to test your readiness for the PREP.

PREP Test Components

There are three separate components to the PREP: a screening component to ensure your medical readiness and two performance components to assess your physical capability (the Pursuit/Restraint Circuit and the Aerobic Shuttle Run).

Attire and Equipment

Wear running shoes and exercise clothing while completing the performance components.

You will be provided with a weighted belt to wear during the Pursuit/ Restraint Circuit to simulate the weight of standard police equipment.