§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 20 November (WA 357), why the physical competence test for the Police Service of Northern Ireland was moved to the training stage for recruits; and whether it is still a condition of entry to the police. [HL219]
§ The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)The physical competence test is now completed during training rather than during initial selection. This allows suitably qualified candidates to be given expert advice on physical fitness and is intended to provide more people with the opportunity to qualify for entry into the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Trainees cannot graduate and be attested as constables unless they have reached the same high standard of fitness that was previously required.