HL Deb 30 January 2003 vol 643 c182WA
Lord Rogan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What were the original physical fitness requirements for all recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and [HL967]

What are the current physical fitness requirements for all recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. [HL968]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

All applicants in the first three Police Service of Northern Ireland recruitment competitions had to complete successfully the physical competence assessment as a requirement of the recruitment process.

The Chief Constable has decided that applicants in the current competition should not be required to complete successfully the physical competence assessment as a prerequisite to appointment. The point of assessment has instead been moved to the end of the student officer training course. However the requirement successfully to complete the assessment prior to attestation as a constable remains.