More than 90 people were put through the physical agility test at the Kansas City Regional Police Academy on Sunday.
It’s one of several tests they have to pass to become a Kansas City Police Department officer.
The men and women have to complete the obstacle course in less than 3 minutes and 36 seconds. The test includes running, jumping, stairs, hurdles, a balance beam and dragging a 145-pound dummy to safety.
Something that looks and sounds easier than it actually is.
“It looks like not that big a deal and then you get on there and you can’t breathe about halfway through it,” said Joseph Benne shortly after completing the test.
But for Benne and others testing Sunday, that temporary exhaustion is well worth it.
Several KCPD hopefuls expressed that becoming an officer is a lifelong dream.
“I always have, I always will be wanting to be one,” said Benne.
“Just trying to follow my dream to be a police officer,” said Justin Williams, shortly after finishing the course.
Myles Banks passed the test last year but was unable to complete the hiring process due to funding. Banks is hopeful this year will be different.
“I’ve wanted to be a police officer since I was 12 years old. I’ve just always wanted to help people,” said Banks.
That desire to help people is a quality the KCPD is looking for in their new recruits.
“We’re always looking for people who want to serve,” said Capt. Chris Sicoli who is in charge of employment for KCPD.
But wanting to serve will only get you so far. Candidates have to be able to do the physical part of the job.
That’s why this agility test is one of the first things future officers need to pass.
“It’s all something they would have to do or potentially do, not only as a recruit but as an officer in the field,” said Sicoli.
If they pass this test, it is still a long road ahead before any of these candidates can call themselves KCPD officers.
“It could take us 6 to 7 months to process them,” said Sicoli.
But those hoping to become officers say it is worth it.
“Oh yes, it is worth it. I’ve been living in this city since I was a little kid so I know it pretty well,” said Banks.
“It’ll be nice to help them get everything cleaned up,” said Williams.
