SUSSEX Police officers are some of the fittest in the country according to a new report by the College of Policing.

In total 2,093 Sussex officers took the recommended fitness test with 98.3% passing – beating the 97% average pass rate across the country.

The fitness test involved 15 minutes of shuttle runs which is based on research to match the aerobic demands of officer safety training.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “This is great news as Sussex residents can be confident that they have a committed police service delivered by officers who are, quite literally, fit for purpose.”

Adrian Rutherford, head of HR at Sussex Police, said: “We have introduced fitness testing in a supportive manner with champions on divisions, support on line, practice runs and guidance.

“It shows our officers’ commitment to achieve the required fitness levels in an effort to serve the community as best we can.”

For more information regarding police fitness tests visit www.college.police.uk