BOP Program Statement 3906.24 § 5

Based on a review of physical tasks required for a variety of Bureau job activities, the five most

important physical abilities to correctional work are:

■ Dynamic strength.

■ Gross body equilibrium.

■ Gross body coordination.

■ Stamina.

■ Explosive strength.

These abilities are assessed by administering the following five tests:

a. The Dummy Drag is a test of an employee’s dynamic strength. The ideal requirement for this

test is to drag the 75-pound dummy continuously for three minutes and at least 694 feet. This test

replicates an emergency in which the victim is carried or dragged to safety from a dangerous

situation.

Starting from a standing position behind a pre-determined line, the participant drags a 75-pound

dummy continuously for three minutes for at least 694 feet at a steady pace, using the attached

strap and positioning the dummy on its back or belly down.

The participant may not stop during the drag.

If the participant accidentally trips or falls, the instructor advises the participant to get up as

quickly as possible and continue, but the participant does not need to start over. The instructor

keeps track of both the amount of time and laps accumulated and, at the end of three minutes,

records the total footage.

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b. The Ladder Climb is a test of an employee’s gross body equilibrium. The ideal requirement

for this test is for the participant to complete the climb in seven seconds or less, and retrieve the

correct object. This test demonstrates the ability to search for contraband concealed in high places

using the assistance of equipment such as a ladder.

The participant starts at the base of the ladder with both feet flat on the ground. At the signal,

he/she climbs the ladder to a platform. The participant must place both feet on the platform and

grasp a specified contraband item from a group of several items on a shelf within seven seconds.

The shelf is on a wall at the height of 8 feet 10 inches.

The participant may not skip rungs on the way up or down. The participant cannot drop the

contraband item. If a rung is missed, both feet do not touch the top platform or the contraband

item is dropped, the individual will be allowed one retry. Timing stops when the participant has

completed the descent and is standing with both feet flat on the ground.

c. The Obstacle Course is a test of an employee’s gross body coordination. This test replicates

an emergency situation and requires the ability to move to the scene of an incident and maneuver

through a number of obstacles within a confined area. The ideal requirement for this test is for the

participant to complete the course in 58 seconds or less.

The participant begins at a starting line in an open area and runs to a locked door with a deadbolt-

type lock. He/she must unlock the door with the appropriate key, proceed through the doorway,

and relock the door. Then he/she goes over a desk, under a table, and around two chairs and slaps

the top of a locker with his/her hand at the end of that portion of the course.

Next, the participant proceeds to a cell door, opens it with the appropriate key, enters the cell area,

slaps the top of a locker with his/her hand, and leaves through the cell door. The participant then

locks the cell door and proceeds back under the table and over the desk. At the door, the

participant unlocks the door, proceeds through the doorway, relocks the door, and returns to the

starting point. The participant cannot drop the keys throughout the obstacle course. If the keys are

dropped, the individual will be allowed one retry.

d. The 1/4 Mile Run and Cuff is a test of an employee’s stamina. The ideal requirement for this

test is for the participant to complete the run and handcuff portion in two minutes and 35 seconds

or less.

The participant runs a measured distance of a 1/4 mile holding a set of handcuffs, approaches a

non-combative individual, and verbally directs him/her to “turn around and cuff up.” The

participant applies the handcuffs to the individual’s wrists (behind the back). Timing starts when

the participant begins running and ends when the cuffs are secured.

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Note: It is emphasized that the participant must run, not walk, as this test is a replication of an

emergency situation and requires the ability to run a measured distance to the scene of an

emergency. If the participant walks or stops during this test, he/she receives a failing score.

e. The Stair Climb is a test of an employee’s explosive strength. This test replicates an

emergency situation that requires running up and down flights of stairs to arrive at the scene of an

incident. The ideal requirement for this test is that the participant complete the stair climb in 45

seconds or less.

The participant wears a 20-pound adjustable weighted vest throughout the test. He/she starts with

both feet flat on the ground, runs up one side of a double staircase, and down the other side. After

both feet hit the ground, he/she turns and goes back up the side he/she just descended and down the

opposite side. Once again, after both feet hit the ground, he/she turns and goes back up the side

he/she just descended and down the opposite side. The event is over and time stops when three

flights up and three flights down have been completed.

Each participant is required to complete three tours, a total of 108 steps, without skipping any steps

on the way up or down. A participant who skips any steps must begin the test again. The

participant may hold the railing for balance if necessary.