Dear Prospective Applicant:
Looking to join the LAPD? We are seeking highly qualified applicants who are interested in enhancing the quality of life for all residents in Los Angeles through professional and ethical enforcement of the law. Officers must swear and obey the values of becoming an Officer.
The Los Angeles Police Department is a modernized agency that is here to protect every inch of Los Angeles.
LAPD does not impose a maximum age-limit to apply or work as an LAPD Officer.
Education
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.
citizenship
The City of Los Angeles requires that a Police Officer candidate be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
*This link provides info on the acceptable documents to show authorization to work in the US.
Residency
You do not have to be a resident of Los Angeles to apply for or work as an LAPD Officer.
Background
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. You will be subjected to an intensive background evaluation, pursuant to the City of Los Angeles Public Safety Background Standards.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Los Angeles Police Department is committed to recruiting and selecting the most qualified applicant. Every applicant must successfully complete every component of the selection process. The process will include:
Application
Review of Application and meets standards
Acceptance
Probationary Period
On patrol with the LAPD
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Probationary Period Program is a system where our Field Training Officers (FTO) will take you on duty with them to get live-action training. There will be tests, real-time scenarios, and action-packed scenes putting your Law Enforcement skills to the test. The point of this program is to further Law Enforcement knowledge and have you ready for what you will experience by yourself. After completing 3 ride-along and an Evaluation from a Lieutenant, you will be promoted from your probationary period to the rank of "Officer I" and will be all on your own! If a probationary requires more attention, the FTO will notify for any additional work.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
After successful completion of the Probationary Period, Officers are granted the right to patrol on their own. All uniforms are to be set up before going on duty as well as vehicles. Officers are granted a selection of vehicles immediately after training. That selection can be found in our vehicle Roster.
Officers are required to record a minimum of 32 patrol hours every month. This activity will tell our command that an Officer is active as well as attribute to their promotion status. All questions are to be asked to an immediate Field Supervisor; formally known as Sergeants and the rest of the Chain of Command.