RT Article
T1 Physical fitness standards: An assessment of potential disparate impact for female state police applicants
JF International journal of police science & management
VO 24
IS 3
SP 250
OP 260
A1 Williams, Frederick A
A2 Higgins, George E
LA English
YR 2022
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1814162984
AB To improve diversity in hiring, this quantitative study examines the applicant physical fitness testing standards of the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to determine whether the test or specific events have a disparate impact for female state police applicants. A sample of 427 state police applicants was collected from applicant fitness testing conducted by the KSP between 2014 and 2019. Bivariate analysis was used to compare the output of males and females. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors for passing fitness testing. The results show a potential disparate impact based upon significant performance differences in three of the five fitness events: bench press, 300-meter run, and push-ups. Predictors for passing applicant fitness testing were being male, having a lower body weight and having 2 years of military service. Sex was found to be a predictor for passing push-ups and 300-meter run. Recommendations suggest amending the fitness events, establishing equitable scoring criteria based upon sex without averaging, and reassessment and evaluation. Provisions for evaluation were provided.
K1 female police hiring
K1 disparate impact theory
K1 police applicant testing
K1 diversity recruitment
K1 police physical fitness testing
DO 10.1177/14613557221074984