Conservation Officer Service

Pre-Employment Physical Abilities Test for Conservation Officers (PATCO)

Obstacle Course

Candidates must safely complete six laps of an approximately 67m circuit, for a total distance of 400m, in three minutes or less. One lap of the circuit includes the following obstacles:

1.8m (6 ft) simulated water jump
3.6m (12 ft) simulated log walk
a section where candidates manoeuvre in between a series of safety pylons
a section where candidates step over simulated logs (45 cm) and crawl under fallen trees (70 cm)
a vault over a 0.91m (3 ft) fence

The obstacle course simulates an officer’s response to certain, critical incidents where near maximal or maximal levels of exertion are achieved. For example, pursuit of a wounded animal in an urban setting requires that a CO be able to run full out for brief periods in order to control this high-risk situation. Throughout such an event, both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems are utilized. Muscular strength, agility, flexibility, and balance are also required to effectively manoeuvre over/under/around different obstacles such as fences, stairs, sharp corners, logs, rocks and water.

The PATCO obstacle course is based on the RCMP PARE test, or Physical Ability Readiness Evaluation, which is an assessment of physical work capacity for prospective and incumbent police officers. Modifications were made to the PARE test to better reflect the physical demands of a “typical”, short-term pursuit for a Conservation Officer.

See PATCO - Obstacle Course Diagram [pdf]