Police Officer Physical Abilities Test (POPAT)

Scenario Number 1: Start Position in Chair

1. Chair to Cone 1 (40 feet) and back (around chair) 2 times
2. Chair to Cone 2 (60 feet) while completing the following obstacles:
   1. 4-foot broad jump
   2. 4-foot "fence" climb
   3. Crawl under obstacle (2 feet high)
3. Cone 2 to mat
4. Roll Drill, 2 repetitions (a through d equals 1 repetition)
   1. Start on top of 100-pound heavy bag with left knee on mat
   2. Roll to right until bag is over body
   3. Continue roll in same direction until back on top of heavy bag (complete when right knee touches mat)
   4. Perform complete turn to left until left knee touches mat
5. 10 push-ups
6. Roll Drill, 2 repetitions
7. Mat to Cone 2 while completing the following obstacles:
   1. 4-foot broad jump
   2. 4-foot "fence" climb
   3. Crawl under obstacle (2 feet high)
8. Cone 2 to step box
9. 15 Steps (up and down) on step box
10. Roll Drill, 2 repetitions
11. 10 push-ups
12. Roll Drill, 2 repetitions

Scenario Number 2: Rescue

1. Run from Cone 1 to Cone 2 (50 feet) and back 2 times
2. 15 Steps (up and down) on step box
3. Run from Cone 1 to Cone 2 (50 feet) and back 2 times
4. Drag 150-pound dummy from Cone 3 to Cone 4 (25 feet) and back to Cone 3 (past line adjacent to cone each way)

Purpose of Test

The Winston-Salem Police Department, Police Officer Physical Abilities Test is a baseline test used to determine a candidate's ability to perform the essential job functions of a Police Officer. Success on the test should not be used by candidates to gauge their level of fitness for the purposes of attending the Winston-Salem Police Academy. The Police Department Physical Abilities Test allows applicants to prepare themselves by practicing prior to their testing date. Applicants should continue to prepare themselves to be challenged physically in an academy setting if hired by the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Retest Policy

If an applicant fails the police officer physical abilities test he/she will be allowed to retake the test on a subsequent available test date. A second failure on the police officer physical abilities test will result in disqualification for a period of one year.

Waiver & Release Form

Please print and sign the Waiver and Release Form (PDF).

In order to participate in the Winston-Salem Police Department's pre-conditional Offer of employment testing, you must sign the waiver and release form. You must bring this form with you on your testing date to participate in POPAT testing.

Bring this form with you on your test date. Do not mail. You will need to bring appropriate athletic attire when participating in the POPAT. You will not be allowed to participate in testing without presenting a valid driver's license or State Identification Card.