Spring 2024 - 19

regulations and recommendations.
* Implemented in a way to assess cadets at
a " cadet level " versus complexity and skill
* Intended to facilitate the self-evaluation
process that causes the participant to
honestly recognize their capabilities.
* Generated to interact with the cadet and
verbalize what performance measures we
can establish, individually and as a team,
to help them reach past what their original
preconceived abilities were.
Through the experiences of the instructors and
administration, the impact of the physical ability test
(PAT) compared to a standard physical evaluation
is immensely beneficial. When interacting with law
enforcement cadets, the easiest fact to identify and
at the same time overlook is that most people in the
profession are Type-A personalities who feel that
they can take charge and accomplish any task. This
mindset often translates to others as the perception
of invincibility. This characteristic can be highlighted
in officers who take unnecessary risks, such as not
wearing body armor when they should. The test is a
well-thought-out program that completes the same
core inquiry as a physical evaluation but relates the
task and movements performed to a work-related,
almost scenario-based assessment. To elaborate,
a physical evaluation can identify a person's ability
to bend by having the participant touch their toes
from a standing or seated position (such as the
" sit-and-reach " ). However, bending under hurdles
while explaining to the participant that the PAT is
assessing their ability to quickly seek cover in turn
makes the movement relatable. Likewise, asking a
participant to lift weights from various positions can
be performed with gym equipment.
Taking the time to set out a life-size mannequin,
then explaining the goal of moving an injured person
to safety changes the thought process to align
with the win mentality associated with Type-A
personalities. After the test is completed, while the
participant is trying to catch their breath; the most
UNIVERSITY INTEGRATION
Universities research teams have members
trained in research techniques, data analysis, and
dissemination of those results, thereby multiplying
the resources of the law enforcement agency.
For agencies to grow and improve their process,
testing and data are integral to their success. The
testing process allows for data-driven decisions to
be made regarding programming, curriculum, and
instructor effectiveness.
With research collaborations, academy
instructors receive aggregate data, but never
individual data regarding cadets. The cadets will
receive individual performance reports that indicate
areas of both strength and challenges. The reports,
throughout the academy, will additionally show
how the cadet is progressing or regressing in all
areas of interest. Cadets can then act on those
areas if they choose.
Testing performed by Texas A&M UniversityCommerce
originated from the collaboration of
Hussien Jabai, tactical strength and conditioning
subject matter expert, and Dr. Michael Oldham,
ROARHP Lab lead tactical research, to facilitate,
regulate, and validate a protocol that had applicable
properties to law enforcement job tasks.
Additionally, discussions with Sergio Flores,
Chief Instructor of CAPCOG RLEA, assessed and
communicated applications of the testing battery
to the in-field experience of operators. n
tacticaltrainingandconditioning.com | 19
common response is a verbalized reflection of their
performance vs. their preconceived abilities. This
leaves the participant with a relatable assessment,
causing them to self-evaluate.
Pushing the cadet further and building confidence
in their ability is extremely important. As cadets
move into their careers, they will often perform tasks
alone. At the end of the discussion, the straight truth
is, one day these officers will have to be prepared to
take calculated risks, at times with their own lives, to
serve and protect our communities.
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Spring 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2024
