FOUR humble-looking orange cones form a key part of the application process for those shortlisted for the 150 new Notts police jobs.
The cones mark two lines for the "multi-stage shuttle test", often called the 'bleep test'. It looks pretty unthreatening, but it is designed to push applicants to the edge of the physical limits.
The test forms a key part of the police fitness test, which candidates will face after their interviews and competency tests.
Candidates must leave the first line when the first 'bleep' sounds, and reach the second by the next 'bleep', then back to the first line in time by the next 'bleep' and so on. After a set number of lengths the difficulty goes up a level, as the time between bleeps shortens.
To help me see just how tough it is, Ray Surgeon, the force's physical training instructor, took me through the test.
Reaching the level required for a PC, four lengths into level five, is relatively straightforward and a few minutes of running – but once I'm past that point we decide to keep going to see how far I can go.
About ten minutes later, my lungs burning, I can't keep up anymore and my test is over. But I've made it to level ten and seven lengths – which, physically at least, would qualify me for the firearms unit – 'dynamic intervention' or to act in incidents where life is at risk.
My smugness evaporates when Ray puts me on the other part of the test – an assessment of strength involving pushing and pulling. I'm less impressive here, and pass, but am distinctly average. All in all though, I would make it through the physical for a PC.
Ray said: "As a constable you have to have a basic level of fitness and it is obtainable."
He added: "We are looking at the aerobic capacity of a potential officer to perform a general purpose role – that might involve the odd foot chase and walking the beat."
For me it's just an interesting experience – for the dozens of people who will walk through the doors of the training centre in Hucknall – it will be just one stage of a six-stage application process which will decide if they are fit enough to form our thin blue line.
