On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, the Santa Monica Police SWAT Team undertook its biannual Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ) at the world-famous Muscle Beach. The PFQ, a rigorous test consisting of five physically demanding exercises, is conducted twice a year to evaluate the physical readiness of the team members and identify any areas of weakness.
The PFQ is a critical component of the SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team's preparation for any emergency or high-risk situations. The SWAT team is a specialized police tactical unit that uses specialized military equipment and tactics in high-pressure scenarios, and physical fitness is paramount for team members to perform their duties effectively.
The test included an 800-meter run, followed by a 400-meter run while carrying two 25 pound dumbbells and wearing a weighted vest, and gas mask, 50 burpees, 75 squats while wearing a weighted vest and gas mask, and finally, 25 pull-ups. The exercises had to be completed in the listed order, with only a three-minute rest break between each one. The first five pull-ups had to be uninterrupted.
The SWAT team is renowned for its intense physical training, and the PFQ is a crucial evaluation tool to ensure that each team member remains physically fit to perform their duties at the highest level. Officers must pass the PFQ to maintain their membership in this elite unit, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high physical standards for the SWAT team.
The results of the PFQ test are in, and it can be confirmed that all officers on the Santa Monica Police SWAT Team successfully passed the rigorous evaluation.