Be #MDPfit for the job
To operate effectively as an MDP officer, it’s important that you maintain a good level of fitness throughout your career. We expect all our officers, regardless of rank, to be #MDPfit.
We will test your fitness during the recruitment process, initial training and on an annual basis throughout your MDP career, to ensure you continue to maintain the required fitness standard for your role. This is called a Job-Related Fitness Test (JRFT).
All New Recruits are required to pass the Physical Employment Standards Job-Related Fitness Test (PES-JRFT), as well as PC and PS ranks joining us from another police force. If recruited at Inspector rank or above you will need to pass either the Multi-stage Fitness Test (MSFT) or Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT).
DC and DS ranks are required to pass the PES-JRFT during the recruitment process, but will be contracted to to the level required of their role profile (5.4 for non-armed roles) following appointment. Those applying for non-armed roles must be able to demonstrate that they are capable of achieving the standard for an Authorised Firearms Officer – Counter Terrorism (AFO-CT), if required, even if this is not the standard for their role.
Job-related fitness test for PC and PS ranks
If you are joining us a New Recruit, or new entrant from another police force at PC or PS rank, you will be required to pass the MDP Physical Employment Standards Job-Related Fitness Test (PES-JRFT).
You will complete the test upon application, then again during the first week of your initial training. As a New Recruit you will be tested a total of four times from application through to the end of your course.
Physical Employment Standards Job-Related Fitness Test
The PES-JRFT is role related specifically for for an Authorised Firearms Officer – Counter Terrorism (AFO-CT) and consists of two parts. The first part is called the ‘Cover and Movement Shuttles (CMS) Test Procedure’ and the second is the ‘Casualty Drag Test (CDS) Procedure’ .
Both parts of the PES-JRFT will be performed while wearing a 20kg vest and will be performed using 20-metre shuttles marked with mats at either end.
You must successfully complete both parts in order for you to pass the PES-JRFT, and move to the next stage of the application process. You will be given two attempts to complete the PES-JRFT. If you’re unsuccessful at the second attempt, your application to join the MDP will not be progressed, but you may re-apply after three months, subject to there being a live campaign.
Cover and Movement Shuttles (CMS) Test Procedure
The CMS consists of wearing a 20kg weighted vest and completing a total of 15 shuttles over 20-metres. The test is run by guided bleeps and word commands – “cover on” (when in the kneeling position) and “moving” (when completing a shuttle run) – which you must adhere to.
The test will start with a 60-metre ‘insertion,’ which is made up of 3 x 20-metre shuttles timed by bleeps. You will have 9-seconds to perform each insertion shuttle.
After the third shuttle you will hear an audio-recorded instruction of “cover on” where you will move into a kneeling position (on one knee) on the mat and hold for 8-seconds.
On the audio-recorded instruction of “moving” you will stand up and jog 20-metres to the other mat, where you will kneel again for 8-seconds before starting the next shuttle. You will repeat cover and movement (kneel and jog) shuttle a total of 12 times.
Casualty Drag Test Procedure
For the next part of the test you will once again wear a 20kg weighted vest whilst dragging a weighted dummy of 76-kg, for 20-metres in 20 seconds. This will be done by a double overhand grip of the back strap of the dummy, which you will hold behind your head, keeping the dummy at a 45-degree angle and moving backwards until you have reached 20-metres.
Job-related fitness test for Inspectors and above
Officers recruited at Inspector rank and above are required to complete the Multi-stage Fitness Test (MSFT) to level 5.4.
If you do not pass the MSFT on the first attempt, you will be allowed a second attempt after a recommended period of training. You will also be offered the option of taking the Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT), as an alternative to the MSFT.
If you’re unsuccessful at the second attempt, using the MSFT or CTT, your application will not be progressed. You will be able to re-apply after three months, subject to there being a live campaign.
If successful, you will progress to the next stage of the application process.
Multi-stage Fitness Test (MSFT)
The MSFT, which is more commonly known as the “bleep test”, involves shuttle runs over 15 metres at a gradually increasing level of speed. To pass the test you need to achieve level 5.4, which is the MSFT national standard required for Inspector ranks and above, set by the College of Policing Fitness Standards.
Police Chester Treadmill Test (CTT)
The CTT takes place on a treadmill and, after a suitable warm-up, you’re required to walk at a brisk pace (6km/hr). Every 2 minutes the gradient is raised by 3% until you reach a total of 10 minutes. This is the CTT national standard required for Inspector ranks and above, set by the College of Policing Fitness Standards.
Prepare for the Job-related fitness test
You should start training as early as possible and develop your fitness levels progressively. Aerobic exercises – such as running, cycling, hill-walking or use of cross trainers and other gym equipment – are recommended for improving cardiovascular fitness.
To improve your fitness level, you need to work harder than normal and your progression should be made gradually. You should avoid large increases in training demands, to minimise risk of injury. Before any form of exercise, it is important to warm up adequately and prepare the body for activity.
If you are in any doubt or you have any health concerns, it is advisable to consult your doctor prior to starting any training regime, to ensure that it is safe and effective. Always start at a lower intensity and duration, allowing your body to adjust to the new demands you are placing on it.
Take a look at our Job-related fitness test practice and training page for more guidance on passing your JRFT.
FAQ: Do I need to be able to swim to join the MDP?
There is currently no requirement for you to be able to swim to join us. However, where officers in the Force are looking to transfer to or join one of our Marine Units, they are required to undertake a swimming test as part of the selection process.
