Applicants must pass the Academy Physical Ability Test in fewer than three minutes to be eligible for entrance into the Academy.
The Physical Ability Test is a continuous course consisting of obstacles and tasks similar to those experienced in academy training and field service as a law enforcement officer. The applicant is required to demonstrate the physical ability skills necessary to complete all elements of the test in the time allotted.
Wear clothing that will allow the maximum freedom of movement, yet provide protection against abrasions. All candidates MUST wear standard athletic shoes. Candidates wearing steel-toed shoes or cleats will be barred from participation. Dressing rooms will not be available, so arrive at the testing site dressed in the appropriate athletic attire. Sacramento County is not responsible for any lost or stolen property, so please do not bring valuables to the test location. Do bring water and a photo ID.
Persons who are not in good physical condition should not participate in the Physical Ability Test. Every candidate will be required to sign a Waiver of Civil Liability that releases the County of Sacramento and the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department Office from liability for any injury that might result from participation in the Physical Ability Test.
Candidates must go over the single bars (30" high hurdles). Use of hands on these bars is prohibited. A five-second penalty is assessed for each bar knocked off the stand, and/or for the use of hands. The maximum penalty for each bar is five seconds. DO NOT STOP if a penalty is assessed against your time.
Candidates must climb over two 6-foot solid walls.
Candidates must follow the designated, coned path. If a candidate jumps a cone or leaves the maze course incorrectly, he/she will be directed back to the point of departure and continue through the maze.
After releasing the maze, the candidate will have a mandatory 15-second rest period that is included in the overall time. During this 15-second period, a proctor will give instructions for the body drag. At the end of the 15-second rest period, instructions of "ready, set, go" (or similar instruction) will be given. A proctor will time each candidate.
After receiving the command "go," the candidate will run from the rest line to the body, grab the dummy under both arms and drag the body until the legs pass the last set of cones. Once the legs of the body pass the last set of cones, the proctor will direct the candidate to drop the body and run to the finish line. (The body weight is approximately 165 lbs.) DO NOT throw the body!
Use the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office online system to submit a report for some types of crimes occurring in unincorporated Sacramento County and Rancho Cordova. A valid email address is required.
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