Why did many police agencies replace the height and weight requirements for officers with a physical agility test?

Many police agencies replaced height and weight requirements with physical agility tests to promote a more inclusive and equitable hiring process. Height and weight standards often disproportionately disqualified qualified candidates who may not fit traditional physical stereotypes but are nonetheless capable of performing essential job functions. Physical agility tests assess an applicant's ability to handle the demands of police work more accurately, focusing on functional fitness rather than body size. This shift aims to enhance diversity within law enforcement while ensuring that officers can effectively meet the physical challenges of the job.