CONNECT with the CityPhysical Abilities Test and Pre-Investigative Questionnaire
On this page:
Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
San Diego Police Officers endure many physically and mentally demanding tasks, on a daily basis. We expect everyone in our department to be able to complete the exercises in the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) without difficulty, as they mirror the physical demands of serving with SDPD.
Requirements
We aim to employ officers with drive and heart, but it’s equally important that they meet our health and fitness standards — for their own safety and the well-being of the community.
The PAT is a fitness test modeled after the California P.O.S.T. Work Sample Test Battery the police academy uses. It was specifically developed to determine which candidates meet the broad range of physical abilities necessary to become SDPD officers.
Candidates are required to pass the following challenges:
- Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted
- Lift and drag a 165-pound dummy for 32 feet
- Run five yards to a six-foot chain link fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards
- Run five yards to a six-foot solid fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards
- Complete a 500-yard run
What to Wear
Wear shorts and loose-fitting clothes that do not restrict arm or leg movements, and comfortable footwear. Athletic shoes with gripping rubber soles are best.
Additional Considerations
At the time of the test, a test monitor will describe the instructions and expectations and answer any questions you have.
Retesting
If you don't pass the Physical Abilities Test the first time, that's okay. You may request to be retested at a later date. Your application will not be processed further until you pass the Physical Abilities Test.
The Physical Abilities Test is conducted at the San Diego Police Department training facility located at 4230 Spruance Road, San Diego, CA 92101 (Spruance and Kinkaid Road).
Practice Physical Abilities Tests
If you’re getting winded just reading the exercises, we highly recommend you start training now to get into top physical condition by the time of your evaluation. This is a physically strenuous test designed to simulate the actual physical demands officers face.
Candidates who wish to improve on specific areas and train before starting the process can practice the PAT at the San Diego Police Department training facility. The facility is open to aspiring applicants every Wednesday from 1 - 2 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. It is located at 4230 Spruance Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 (Spruance and Kinkaid Road).
NOTE: Practices are subject to cancelation due to inclement weather without notice, so check the forecast.
Directions to training facility.
Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ)
The Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) is the first step in the background process with the San Diego Police Department.
This questionnaire is completed on-site after passing the Physical Abilities Test. Candidates will have about 15 minutes to change clothes (bring comfortable clothes), stow their belongings in their vehicles, and grab food/snacks/drinks before going into the classroom to complete the PIQ. Candidates may bring their snacks/drinks into the room while they complete the questionnaire.
What is it?
The PIQ is a 57-page document that must be completed to check a candidate’s qualifications and viability for the background process.
Only those who successfully pass the Physical Abilities Test will move forward to the Pre-Investigative Questionnaire process.
Candidates will have about 15 minutes to change clothes (bring comfortable clothes), stow their belongings back in their vehicles, and grab food/snacks/drinks before going into the classroom to complete the Pre-Investigative Questionnaire. Candidates may bring their snacks/drinks into the room while they complete the questionnaire.
How Long Does it Take?
Allow about 2.5 to 3 hours for the PIQ process. The SDPD Backgrounds Unit will administer the PIQ portion, which will start with providing instructions on how to properly fill out the document. There will be time to ask questions prior to starting.
Cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed during the PIQ process. After completing the PIQ, candidates will turn it in to one of the Background Detectives.
The Background Unit will review the documents to check for legibility and proper completion before candidates are dismissed.
Passing the PIQ
Background Detectives will review complete PIQs thoroughly to determine whether you will proceed to the next step in the process.
Successful candidates will be assigned a Background Detective and contacted by phone or email.
Those who do not qualify to continue will be mailed a letter, which will include a specific date for when they can re-apply to the San Diego Police Department.