KSAT staffers take on SAPD's obstacle course

Test given in advance of police recruitment drive

SAN ANTONIO, TX – It takes more than a few good men and women to be San Antonio police officers.

They also have to be mentally tough, strong and athletic, as KSAT 12’S Katrina Webber and Chris Shadrock found out.

SAPD’s recruitment team recently extended an invitation to members of the media to test themselves on the obstacle course at the police academy.

The event was meant to draw attention to a recruitment drive planned for this coming weekend.

"We're looking for anyone who has a heart and passion to serve their community. If this is something that you're interested in doing, this is the ideal time to come in,” said Yvonne Padilla, a recruitment officer for SAPD.

The obstacle course consisted of lifting heavy weights, scaling high walls and hurdles, running through tunnels, climbing up and down stairs and dragging a 165 pound dummy, all while wearing a 10 pound vest.

In the real physical test given to potential candidates, they would have to complete it all in about four minutes.

"Overall what we're determining is, do you have the athleticism to be trained? Can we train you?,” Padilla said.  "They get three attempts within 28 days.”

On the day of the media competition, wet weather added to the difficulties. However, Padilla said it’s a good example of what officers might face in the real world.

"Duty calls. We've got to go out there. We've got to serve our community regardless of the weather conditions,” she said. “It's part of what we do and the same thing applies when you're in training."

SAPD will hold a special accelerated recruitment drive Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. until noon. 

Candidates will not only go through the physical assessment on the obstacle course but also complete all the other steps in the application process.

It usually takes several weeks to go through the entire process toward getting a foot in the door with SAPD. The drive will allow applicants to complete everything in a single weekend.

The recruitment drive will be held at the police academy, located at 12200 SE Loop 410.

Padilla said applicants should arrive dressed in athletic clothing.

For more information on what to bring, click here.

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About the Author:

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.