Andorra Police Launch Physical Tests for 25 Candidates to Fill 15 Officer Spots

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

Out of 65 initial registrants, four did not show up. The group tackled a 2,000-metre circuit with nine exercises, including stadium laps, jumps, agility tests, and planks. Men had to complete it in under 13.5 minutes, women in under 16 minutes—standards aligned with European benchmarks for mid-to-high fitness levels in policing. Snow, ice, and mud created slippery conditions, but Agent Major Bruno Modesto of the training group oversaw the same format used in September. He pointed out that officers often face such weather on patrol, recalling past tests in heavy rain or intense heat.

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

Eligibility requires Andorran nationality, being over 18, a bachillerat or equivalent, B2-level Catalan certification, a clean criminal record, and an Andorran B2 driving licence, which can be obtained during training. There are no height limits or upper age caps; one candidate was over 40. Applicants who failed psychotechnical tests in September must wait six months to reapply.

Police welcomed the strong turnout, with over 30 expressions of interest shortly after the prior call, where 10 of 36 registrants were absent. The expansion addresses issues like tobacco smuggling at Pas de la Casa under the government's recent shock plan and supports growth toward 300 officers overall.

Among the candidates, 26-year-old football referee Lluís Miquel Pinilla drew parallels between his 11 years officiating and policing: settling disputes, enforcing order, and applying rules. He had shelved the idea on friends' advice but now feels prepared. "I'm mature enough, and it seems like the right moment," he said. Eighteen-year-old Adam Zarioh, driven by a childhood interest in public service, aims to enhance Andorran security and sees refereeing as the closest match in his experience.