Shuttle run fitness tests put on hold for West Midlands Police officers

West Midlands Police piloted a 15-metre shuttle run-based fitness test after its previous 'step-based' test was not compliant with College of Policing guidelines.

But due to building hire costs for the tests running to an estimated more than £200,000 a year, the force is taking time to consider what action to take following the end of the three-month trial.

Currently, only officers in specialist and public order roles are being tested for fitness using the shuttle runs while a decision is made.

Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: "Introducing the test as per the trial could mean hiring spaces outside of force estate, which current enquiries suggest could cost upwards of £200,000 a year − a figure we seriously have to consider when there are competing demands, not least a desire for more frontline officers."

The new fitness test, called Job Related Fitness Test, came under a new-look, one-day Personal Safety Training course at the force's training base at Tally Ho or Windmill House in Smethwick.

Over the pilot, 470 officers took part and there was a pass rate of 90 per cent.

The previously-used fitness test, called the Chester Step Test was phased out at the start of the trial.

Mr Thompson said: “We continue to offer support through our Wellbeing and Occupational Health teams to ensure all officers are maintaining the expected level of fitness, so we are healthy and capable of doing the demanding roles that are asked of us.

“We should all be fit to work, regardless of the role we perform, and we continue to work with the College of Policing and the Police Federation to determine the best ways of ensuring our officers are fit and able, without such significant impact on people and the organisation."

Rebecca Davis, assistant director of organisational development and learning, said: “Every officer who has been through the new test has been offered the chance to give their feedback and we’re currently evaluating their responses, as well as the pass rates, equality impact analysis and cost implications of adopting this style of test.

“While there’s been support for the shorter, more focussed PST sessions, there has been some challenges in the delivery and sustainability of the prescribed fitness test.

“With this in mind, we are now examining all of the information gathered during the three months of the pilot as we look at our options for the future.

“Ultimately, we need to provide the most suitable support for our people, in a manner that meets their requirements and in a cost effective way."