Police lower fitness mark

Police have lowered their physical entry standards as they strive to recruit 1250 more staff in the next three years.

The changes, which include a relaxing of run-test times and a range of other measures, will bring police entry requirements into line with "comparable agencies", says human resources manager Wayne Annan.

The "physical competency test" recruits have to pass at the end of their training will remain unchanged.

Police have recently come under fire for the toughness of their entry test, especially the running test, which is harder than the Army's and makes no allowance for age.

Critics say good candidates are being turned away, and have questioned why it is necessary to have such a strict test.

- NZPA