NRW police introduce supplementary test as part of the minimum size regulation

A minimum height of 1.63 m generally applies for recruitment to the NRW police force.

We look forward to receiving numerous applications to the NRW police force. We are doing everything we can to attract as many suitable applicants as possible in the future. In this context, the LAFP NRW has further developed the individual assessment of applicants' capabilities in the context of the minimum size regulation.

In future, applicants who are less than 1.63 m tall will be given the opportunity to take an individual test to prove that their shorter height does not restrict them from carrying out essential police duties. This test procedure is being developed with the Cologne Sports University in accordance with scientific standards.

With a successfully completed sports science test, which checks and ensures the necessary physical requirements with a view to the full and appropriate performance of police duties, applicants under 1.63 m tall will now also have access to the regular multi-stage selection procedure for recruitment to the NRW police force.

With the test, applicants prove that they are capable of meeting the exceptional physical demands of the police service despite being below the minimum height requirement.

"We are introducing a new sports science test procedure to enable applicants below the minimum body size to join the NRW police force. In this way, we are also taking further account of the high physical and health demands placed on police officers in their daily work," said NRW Minister of the Interior Herbert Reul.

The required minimum body height of 1.63 m is not a "gut feeling", but the well-founded result of the sum of all current surveys, arguments and scientific findings. Police officers must be able to rely on the skills of their colleagues, especially in an emergency. Appropriate physical fitness is therefore an indispensable contribution to greater protection, safety and health for our police officers in the field.