On July 10, 2021, the Manchester Township Police Department administered the Physical Agility Examination, the first phase of testing for the position of Police Officer and Class II Special Officer. Approximately 80 individuals applied to participate in the event which took place at the Manchester Township High School, beginning at 8 a.m.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chief Robert Dolan welcomed the applicants. “This physical test is the first of many steps in the process of becoming a member of the Manchester Township Police Department, one of best law enforcement agencies in the State of New Jersey. I expect each and every one of you to put forth your very best effort,” he said.

[Show thumbnails]
The Physical Agility Examination consisted of the following exercises: pull-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, one mile run and a one minute boxing match against another applicant. The test was administered by members of the Manchester Township Police Department, who ensured the integrity of each exercise. Auxiliary Police Officers provided assistance in administering the parking plan, and Manchester Township Emergency Medical Technicians were on-hand to monitor the health and safety of the participating applicants.

The Manchester Township Police Department also received the voluntary assistance of martial arts expert, Chief Master Paul Prendergast, owner and lead instructor of Paul Prendergast Karate Schools (Brick and Toms River). Master Prendergast, a 6th degree black belt, has been assisting the Police Department by supervising/officiating the boxing component for several years.  Assisting Chief Master Prendergast was Master Andrew Andreadis.

Chief Dolan expresses his appreciation to the Manchester Township School District for accommodating this important test on a weekend, and for the invaluable assistance of their staff in ensuring that any day-of needs of the police department were met.

Those applicants who successfully completed all phases of the physical agility examination will advance to the next phase of testing, the written examination. From there, those with the best combined physical/written score will advance to the oral review board.