About 76 Western Bay of Plenty students know what it takes to be a police officer after they got the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Blue Light PCT/ Fear Factor Challenge on Wednesday.

Held at the Mount Action Centre, the students participated in a number of activities that police officers would normally carry out.

Pongakawa school student Dayna Rowe jumps through a window during the physical competency test.

They all tackled the physical competency test that police officers must pass every two years.

The test includes a 200 metre run, jumping through a window, climbing a wall, going under hurdles, dragging a 75kg dummy, pushing a trailer and carrying a tyre.

Students also participated in a simulated crime scene investigation, where they had to identify the point of entry and fingerprints.

There was also a ‘fear factor' component to the challenge, including activities such as using their feet to find fish eyes in a container of noodles.

The challenge was also used as a qualifier for the National Blue Light PCT/ Fear Factor Challenge being held in Wellington on April 8.

Wendy Nicholls from Western Bay of Plenty Blue Light says the event was a good opportunity for youth to get an insight into the police.

At the end of the event, police officers competed against teachers in the physical competency test.

Te Puke Intermediate students Unique Clarke and Daniel Courtis fishing for fish eyes with their feet in the fear factor challenge.

Unique Clarke and Daniel Courtis with the fish eyes.

Pongakawa school student Annaliese Boyd on the police physical competency test.

Te Puna students inspecting a crime scene.

Aquinas students Dana Welton and Josh Ormrod dig through
jelly and jelly meat looking for a key to unlock their handcuffs.

Tauranga intermediate students.