JJC’s Recruit Officer Testing a Great Service for Law Enforcement

Up to 3,000 law enforcement recruits for more than 150 departments statewide each year rely on physical ability testing administered at Joliet Junior College.

For nearly 30 years, JJC’s Fitness Center has provided these services for recruit officers at local law enforcement agencies, as well as some outside the state. The college carries out three kinds of tests, most notably Illinois’ Peace Officer Wellness Evaluation Report (POWER), one of a series of pre-employment tests. The POWER test, which includes a sit-and-reach, sit ups, bench press, and 1.5 mile run, is designed to evaluate a recruit officer’s fitness level prior to entering a certified police academy.

“By having the POWER test available at JJC, local agencies can utilize our personnel and facility,” Janet Graham, fitness specialist with the college. “By JJC offering this service to local police agencies for an agreed upon fee, they can streamline the hiring process which saves them time and money.”

The test, which is conducted in groups, is $45 per candidate. Graham offers flexible scheduling for each group Monday through Saturday at JJC’s Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet. The campus is conveniently located 30 miles southwest of Chicago at the intersection of interstates 80 and 55.

Sergeant Rob Hall with the Joliet Police Department said the testing provides his department a qualified group of candidates from which it can hire.

“The service we have received from Janet and the crew at the Fitness Center has been absolutely outstanding,” said Hall.

“We have worked with Janet now for over 17 years with our testing process,” said Pamela Taylor, director of the Will County Sheriff’s Merit Commission. “We find her very professional, courteous, helpful, easy to work with, and above all conscientious of the entire process from start to finish.”

Three years ago, Graham worked with Will County to establish and administer the Correctional Officer Test (CAT). Additionally, she’s recently started conducting the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for local municipal workers, which evaluates a candidate’s basic fitness levels required to successfully perform their job.   

"My testing team and I are very appreciative for the recognition of the success we have accomplished in administering the POWER test and we strive to continue offering quality testing services to the law enforcement community,” said Graham. 

Law enforcement recruits can learn more about POWER testing services at JJC online or by contacting Graham at 815-280-2674 or jgraham@jjc.edu. 

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.