Police Service of Northern Ireland

HL Deb 20 November 2003 vol 654 c357WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the fitness test for entry into the Police Service of Northern Ireland is still in place; and if not, why. [HL5475]

Baroness Amos

The physical competence test is still in place and requires the same high standard of fitness but is now completed during training and before trainees are attested rather than during selection.

Trainees are now given expert advice and assistance on physical fitness during their initial training. It is expected that this will give mere people the opportunity to qualify for entry to the police service.