A Palmerston North Coroner says a medical examination before police officers take their compulsory fitness test could save lives.
Tim Scott has released his findings on Levin Sergeant Stephen McCarthy who died last year when he suffered a heart attack after completing the police competency test.
Mr Scott says there should be an upper age limit - he suggests 55 - where a medical examination at police expense is required before the fitness test.
He says that would be a valuable screening process and a potential life saver.
Mr Scott says the police are not the only occupation that should have to introduce medicals before fitness tests and says pilots are another obvious example.