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New fitness test for SAPD candidates

New test geared to mimic real world obstacles

In order to enter the San Antonio Police Academy as a cadet, candidates must first prove a certain level of physical fitness.

On Wednesday, more than two dozen candidates were put through a new fitness test at the training academy.

The point of the test is to mimic real-world conditions out in the field.

"It's very job-related. It's what's going to be expected of them, possibly, when they are out in the field if they are an officer. This is just a bit of what they are going to expect in the academy. So they are going to have to train that much harder," said SAPD Officer Yvonne Padilla.

Gone are the standards for push-ups and sit-ups -- and the candidates seemed to appreciate it.

"Push-ups? I'm not going to be doing that when I'm chasing someone down. Jumping over a wall? Oh, yeah. Extra pounds with gear on? Yeah. So this was good," said SAPD candidate Josh Bodenbach.

Gone, too, are the two different standards for male and female candidates.

"Because when you are out in the field, there are no standards. It's all the same. You do the same job," said SAPD Officer Roger Zuniga.

The female candidates didn't seem to have a problem with the singular standard.

"It shows you where you are at. Makes you want to work out more. I know I do. It's hard," said SAPD candidate Beatriz Morales.

To find out more about joining the SAPD, visit SAPDcareers.com.

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