Physical Abilities Test and Pre-Investigative Questionnaire
The Physical Abilities Test measures a broad range of physical abilities that are necessary for police work. For this test, candidates will be required to:
- Run a 99-yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, curb-height obstacles, and a 34-inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.
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Lift and drag a 165-pound dummy for 32 feet.
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Run five yards to a six-foot chain link fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
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Run five yards to a 6-foot solid fence, climb over the fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
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Complete a 500-yard run.
Shorts or loose-fitting clothes that do not restrict arm and leg movements are recommended. Footwear should be comfortable, athletic shoes with a gripping rubber sole.
At the time of the test, a test monitor will describe the test more fully and answer any questions you might have. This is a physically strenuous test designed to simulate the actual physical demands placed on Police Officers. If you are not in top physical condition, it is advised that you begin NOW to improve areas where you may need work.
NOTE: If you fail the Physical Abilities Test, you may request to be retested at a later date. No further processing will occur until the Physical Abilities Test has been passed.
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
Candidates wishing to practice the Physical Abilities Test before starting the process may do so every Wednesday from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month at 9 a.m. at the San Diego Police Department training facility. The facility is located at 4230 Spruance Road, San Diego, CA 92101 (Spruance and Kinkaid Road).
Shorts or loose-fitting clothes that do not restrict arm and leg movements are recommended. Footwear should be comfortable, athletic shoes with a gripping rubber sole.
Practices will be canceled without notice due to inclement weather.
Pre-Investigative Questionnaire
The Pre-Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ) is the first step in the background process with the San Diego Police Department. It is a 57-page document that needs to be filled out to check a candidate’s qualifications and viability to move forward with 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.
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.
After the administrative portion, all candidates will then be given 2 hours to completely fill out their PIQ. Cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed to be used during the PIQ process. After completion of the PIQ, candidates will turn in their PIQ to one of the Background Detectives. The Background Unit will review the documents to check for legibility and proper completion before candidates are dismissed.
After review of completed Pre-Investigative Questionnaires, successful candidates will be assigned a Background Detective and will be 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.