Wes Snyder
Tom McLain

randall higgins 3 Jeremy Shields negotiates a turn through a series of cones as part of an agility test for the Cleveland Police Department.

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- An event Friday morning at Cleveland High School might have looked like an aerobics class or a track meet except for all the blue-uniformed folks standing around watching.

More than 30 people lifted weights, jumped, ran and raced through a timed agility course as they took the physical fitness portion of their qualification test for the Cleveland Police Department.

The candidates passed their written tests Wednesday.

"A police officer is a huge investment for the city," said Capt. Tom McLain. When the officer goes on the street, the city already has about $100,000 on equipment, training and employee salary and benefits, he said.

It can take up to a year to turn out a police officer, he said, starting with applications and testing, the police academy, supervised ride-alongs and background checks.

The city's police training was recommended by a consultant, said City Personnel Director Jeff Davis. The training process meshes with on-the-job needs, just as firefighter training matches the demands of those jobs, Mr. Davis said. The tests are designed to be fair to both men and women, he said.

Friday's group included some who are already city officers. The city's new policy is that anyone hired after November, 2007, must pass the physical agility test annually.

The group started in the Cleveland High School gymnasium with measured jumps and weightlifting. Then outside on the track, the applicants had to complete a timed agility test, pushups, a sprint and then a long run.

Amy Kresge just graduated from Lee University with a degree in public relations. She wants to get into public relations with a police department, but she needs some police work experience.

"I decided to get my officer years in here because it's safe and it's a really good place to live," Ms. Kresge said.

Brandy Brown wanted to join the military but with two children, she felt she couldn't.

"I wouldn't want to leave them. And I've always wanted to do something that would make a difference in the world. I feel like I can do something like that here and enjoy what I do," she said.

Jeremy Shields decided to seek out police work after nine years in the Air Force.

"My dad passed away and left me a construction company, but the economy's so bad. I'd like to go back to something similar to the military," he said.

The department's training officers say they are seeing more applicants perhaps because of the economy.

"We have seen an influx over the past year of people seeking employment," said Chief Wes Snyder. "We try to recruit people with a fitness or wellness lifestyle. And we have quite a few of them out here today."

Lt. John Daily said for any applicant who ultimately becomes an officer, Friday's fitness tests are very important. An officer may have to act in a split second to save lives, including their own.