Andorra Police Kick Off Rigorous Tests for 25 Candidates to Fill 15 New Officer Spots

Andorra's police force began physical selection tests for 25 candidates—20 men and five women—on Thursday, 15 January, at the Estadi Comunal Joan Samarra Vila, as part of an extraordinary call to fill 15 new officer positions in 2026. The successful applicants will join the 60th promotion alongside nine others—six men and three women—already chosen in September, with initial training set to start this spring.

From 65 initial registrants, four failed to appear, leaving 25 to complete a demanding 2,000-metre circuit incorporating nine exercises such as stadium laps, jumps, agility drills, and planks. Men needed to finish in under 13.5 minutes, while women had 16 minutes, benchmarks aligned with European standards for mid-to-high fitness levels required in policing. Snow, ice, and mud made conditions slippery, yet Agent Major Bruno Modesto of the training group directed the identical format used in September. He noted that officers routinely encounter such weather on duty, citing past tests held in heavy rain or extreme heat.

Those passing Thursday's circuit advanced to Friday's mountain run—approximately 1,500 metres with 200 metres of elevation gain—from British College to a point on the Camí del Bosc Negre trail. The afternoon included the Cooper test, measuring the maximum 400-metre laps in 12 minutes, followed by professional and cultural exams, language tests, psychotechnical assessments, and a final interview.

Candidates must be Andorran nationals over 18, hold a bachillerat or equivalent, B2-level Catalan certification, a clean criminal record, and an Andorran B2 driving licence—attainable during training. No height or upper age restrictions apply; one participant exceeded 40 years old. Applicants who failed psychotechnical tests in September must wait six months before reapplying.

Police expressed satisfaction at attracting over 30 interested parties so soon after the prior call, where 10 of 36 registrants were absent. The expansion targets challenges like tobacco smuggling at Pas de la Casa under the government's recent shock plan and aims to approach a total force of 300 officers.

Among the candidates, 26-year-old football referee Lluís Miquel Pinilla highlighted similarities between his 11 years officiating and policing: resolving disputes, maintaining order, and upholding rules. He had paused the pursuit on friends' advice but now feels ready. "I'm mature enough, and it seems like the right moment," he said. Eighteen-year-old Adam Zarioh, motivated by public service since childhood, seeks to bolster Andorran security, viewing refereeing as the nearest parallel in his background.