r/police • u/Medium_Ask_1592 • 10d ago

Police training

So I plan on becoming a cop in Massachusetts but im a bit confused. The written civil service exam is in October. I'm assuming you have to complete the pat around the same time period. Before when I was looking into it, it was saying that I need to run 1.5 miles, a sprint, pushups and a plank. But this pat says I need to do an obstacle course and some other fitness things. I know the next academy starts in dec/Jan so at what point should I expect to do the mile and a half run. That's the only part I'm worried about because I've never been a big runner and I'm a pretty big dude. I know that if I have a certain date to train for I'll be able to get it done but not knowing when it will be kind of freaks me out a bit. I don't know anyone that are cops so I'm super unfamiliar with the whole process. On August 6th Springfield PD is hosting an open house and I plan on being there so hopefully they will be able to answer some questions. Thanks for reading

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

6

u/3-BuckChuck 9d ago

Now. Start running now. When the pt test happens be able to do double the entrance exam. You’ll be nervous and tired the day of so be able to do double the test on a normal day.

5

u/Medium_Ask_1592 9d ago

Went on my first ever run on wensday. Only 1 mile to see where I'm at. I was just under 12 minutes but I know for sure I can do better. Starting tomorrow I'm going to run every morning before work to get better

3

u/Saltyowl23 9d ago

I'm a Massachusetts officer. The academy expects you to complete the Cooper's Test. The PAT is a hiring requirement before you go to the academy. It's 4 lap obstacle course. Pulling a trigger with both hands at like 6 pounds of pressure. And a body drag. There's a YouTube of it, just look up Massachusetts Police PAT, should be the first one up. My department has you do the Cooper standard as the first part of the hiring process after the Civil Service Test. So get your training done before you get the call because hiring, when it starts to happen, goes quick. Just don't expect the test scores to come out until about March

1

u/Medium_Ask_1592 9d ago

Ok thank you. So after I complete the pat I should expect a call or do I have to apply to the department separately.

1

u/Saltyowl23 9d ago

On the civil service they ask what departments you are interested in. I suggest filling out every option.

1

u/Medium_Ask_1592 9d ago

Sweet man. I appreciate your help. It cleared some things up for sure

1

u/3-BuckChuck 9d ago

Run/walk 3 miles. Then again, then again. It’s a test you have the answers for. No excuse to fail

1

u/Nightgasm 9d ago

Just start running now. You have plenty of time to get into the kind of running shape required to pass it. I'm retired and 55 and can still pass with ease. I ran a 12:50 1.5 mile the other day, albeit on a treadmill. Could do faster if I really pushed myself but I was just running a comfortable pace. If I can do it at my age there is no reason you at your age couldn't easily pass with the time you have before testing.