80 participate in Manchester Police physical agility test

The next wave of police officers in Manchester may be on the horizon as 80 men and women hoping to join the force participated in phase one of the process -- the physical agility test.

Manchester Police Physical Agility Test

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The testing took place on Saturday July 10, bright and early, at 8:00 am at Manchester High School and after the pledge of allegiance, it was time to get to work.

“This physical test is the first of many steps in the process of becoming a member of the Manchester Township Police Department, one of best law enforcement agencies in the State of New Jersey. I expect each and every one of you to put forth your very best effort,” Manchester Police Chief Robert Dolan told the applicants on Saturday.

It is a physically demanding test and if you're not in the best of shape or putting forth your best effort, the ending result may not be in your favor, you may not pass phase one of the testing process.

If the applicants achieved a certain score upon doing pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, a one-mile run (with a really good time) and a one-minute boxing match against another applicant, then they moved onto the written testing portion by receiving a study guide on the way out the door.

If they pass the written test, then they advance to the oral review board phase.

Do you have what it takes to be a Manchester Police Officer? You can prove it

The Manchester Township Police Department administered each testing phase while Auxiliary Police Officers provided assistance in administering the parking plan and Manchester Township Emergency Medical Technicians were on-hand to monitor the health and safety of the participating applicants.

Chief Master Paul Prendergast, owner and lead instructor of Paul Prendergast Karate Schools (Brick and Toms River), a 6th degree black belt, was also on hand to officiate the boxing component as has been the case for a few years now and was joined on scene by Master Andrew Andreadis who also works in his karate schools.