How to join the Los Angeles Police Department
Once you meet the minimum requirements listed below, the next step is to take the LAPD written test. To find out where LAPD is currently testing, check our website at
WWW.JoinLAPD.com
Qualifications
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You must be 21 years of age at entry into the academy. However, you may take the written test if you are 20 and a half; on the written test date.
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Graduation from a U.S. high school, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate is required.
A two-year or a four-year college degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign institution may be substituted for the high school requirement.
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The City of Los Angeles requires that a Police Officer candidate be a United States citizen, or that a non-citizen be a permanent resident alien who, in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is eligible and has applied for citizenship.
During the selection process, each non-citizen is required to prove that USCIS accepted his/her application for citizenship prior to the date the Police Officer written test was taken.
California State law requires that citizenship be granted within three years after the employment application date. For information regarding citizenship requirements, contact the USCIS
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You do not have to be a resident of Los Angeles to apply for or work as an LAPD Officer.
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Los Angeles Police Department Officers are entrusted with responsibility to keep our cities safe from crime and corruption. Therefore, a history of ethical and moral behavior is of the utmost importance. Your background will be looked at very closely. Candidates who have a history of unethical or immoral behavior will not be hired.
Check your background
To help you determine whether your background may be suitable for the position of Police Officer, a Preliminary Background Application (PBA) is available online at
www.lacity.org/per/safety.htm. If any potential background issues are identified, you will be provided with the contact information for a Case Manager, who will discuss your particular situation with you.
Police Officer Recruitment Application Process
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Step 1 - Preliminary Background Application (PBA) and Job Preview Questionnaire (JPQ)
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Step 2 - Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE)
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Step 3 - Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
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Step 4 - Background Investigation & Polygraph
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Step 5 - Department Interview
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Step 6 - Medical Evaluation and Psychological Evaluation
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Step 7 - Certification and Appointment
Need some help getting in shape?
The LAPD offers the Candidate Assistance Program to help you get physically fit and get accustomed to training style you will encounter in the Academy.
We Strongly encourage candidates to take advantage of this FREE program. Participants must be in the LAPD hiring process.-
Tuesdays from 6:00-9:00 pm
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Thursdays from 6:00-9:00 pm
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Saturdays from 7:30-10:30 am
ORIENTATION/ORAL PREP SEMINARLAPD Recruitment officers will help you get ready for your department interview. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month at the Personnel Department's Civil Service Commission Room (3rd Floor).
700 E. Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Want more information on the LAPD hiring process or the Candidate Assistance Program?
Contact an LAPD recruiter:
866-444-LAPD (866-444-5273) or email Join LAPD at joinlapd@lapd.lacity.org
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