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A: The entry-level Peace Officer selection process requires the submission of two (2) separate applications. Please find the instructions for submitting a completed entry-level Peace Officer application on the "Application" page in myPD.joinlapd.com.
A: No, but it will help you to become familiar with the City.
A: Los Angeles Police Department is looking for individuals that demonstrate positive personal and professional growth and consistent adherence to the law.
A. The advisory Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ) was replaced by a Qualifying (pass/fail) Physical Abilities Test (PAT) on June 26, 2026. Whether you are required to take the PAT will depend on the date that you submitted your current active application. Any candidates who applied prior to June 26, 2026 and are still active in the selection process under that application will not be required to attend the PAT, and their existing PFQ score will be “locked in” for the duration of their time in the selection process. Any candidates who apply on or after June 26, 2026 must pass the PAT, which will be scheduled after they have passed or waived the multiple-choice test, in order to continue their progress in the selection process.
A: It is to be determined on a case-by-case basis, and it depends on how many and how recently the tickets were issued. The reason for the ticket is also taken into con-sideration, in particular, moving violations.
A: All employees must comply with all current Department grooming and appearance policies as outlined in the LAPD Manual Section 605, Airport Police Manual Chapter 6, and LA Port Police Policy Manual Section 1044. (Note: You may request an exemption from specific grooming and appearance rules, as outlined in the Manuals.)
A: It depends. Having tattoos will not automatically disqualify you from becoming a peace officer with the City of Los Angeles, but all candidates are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Whether your tattoos affect your employment depends on several factors, including but not limited to, location, size, and meaning. All peace officers must comply with all current Department grooming and appearance policies as outlined below:
A: Yes. You start earning salary and benefits on your first day at the academy!
A: No. The LAPD Recruit Academy is not a live-in or 24-hour military boot camp. While it shares military-style elements like physical conditioning, drill, discipline, inspections, and high pressure environment, the academy operates like a full-time, commuter-style job/school program. Instruction is generally Monday - Friday, 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM, with 3-4 hours of study time thereafter. You will have weekends and holidays off.
A: You must complete a minimum of one-year (12 months) field probation.
A: Contact one of the twenty-one divisions.
A: The process usually takes about 6-9 months, but it varies. Do your best to prepare and get through each portion.
A: There is no cost for the application or for any test portion.
A: It is to be determined on a case-by-case basis, and the economic downturn is taken into consideration. Your financial status is considered from a risk-management perspective. Making responsible fiscal choices and living within your means are examples of maturity and discipline, which may make you less susceptible to impropriety on the job.
A: You need to attain the rank of PO III in order to apply. You will also need to pass a PFQ and an interview.
Chief McDonnell is the people’s Chief.
The Chief of Police (COP) is the highest ranking officer in the Police Department. As a General Manager of the Police Department, the COP is responsible for the planning, efficient administration and operation of the Police Department under the authority of the Board of Police Commissioners.
The Chief of Police (COP) is generally selected from within the ranks of Deputy Police Chief and should have a college degree and at least 12 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience. The COP is appointed by the Mayor and is subject to the approval of the Police Commission and the City Council. The COP can serve a maximum of two five-year terms.
LAPD Officers are authorized to use, as their on duty primary weapon,
Beretta:
92F, 92FS, 92FS-Stainless Steel, 8045 (4” barrel)
Smith & Wesson:
459, 5904, 5903, 659, 5906, 645, 4506, 4566, 4567, 5903 TSW, 5906 TSW, 4569 TSW, and 4566 TSW.
Glock:
9mm: Model 34, magazine capacity 17
Model 17, magazine capacity 17
Model 19, magazine capacity 15
.40 caliber: Model 35, magazine capacity 15
Model 22, magazine capacity 15
Model 23, magazine capacity 13
.45 caliber: Model 21, magazine capacity 13
No, celebrities do not get special treatment. They go through the same booking and arrest process as everyone else.
The selection process is started by completing an online Application. The Multiple Choice Test is administered at the written test sites. Written test sessions are offered five times each week, at five different locations throughout the City, as well as at frequent special testing events throughout the year. You do not need to call in advance to schedule testing. Just show up! No application is required, but you must submit an application asap to match your test to your application.
If you have any questions regarding LAPD police officer recruiting, or taking the test, you can call or e-mail an LAPD recruitment officer at 213-473-3450 or joinlapd@lapd.lacity.org
The Background Investigation begins with completion of a Personal History Form (which requires compilation of extensive biographical information), completion of additional questionnaires, fingerprinting, and an interview with a background investigator. If you meet the City’s standards, a thorough background investigation will be conducted. It will include checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. Plain talk about this test part: Be honest. Be thoughtful about your answers. Don’t take this test until you are really ready to present your qualifications in the best possible light.
If you are selected for the LAPD, you will be sent to the world-famous LAPD Academy for 28 weeks of training. Training is rigorous, demanding and exhausting. It is also a rewarding life-changing experience. New officers learn how much they are capable of by succeeding at seemingly impossible challenges, both physical and mental. Training is free, and Officers are paid their full starting salary during training.
Much of the training occurs in the classroom. Officers learn law, human relations, Spanish and report writing. Officers are also trained in tactics, firearms and driving. Physical fitness and self-defense training plays a big part in the Academy. In fact, the physical fitness part of the program is so demanding that recruits are encouraged to start a training regimen before entering the Academy.
An LAPD officer can never expect a routine day. Every day brings with it new challenges and opportunities to improve the communities we serve.
For many Officers, one of the best rewards of working in a department as big as LAPD is the fact that they can do many jobs during the course of their career. It is possible to move from division to division, and to learn new skills on the job. The first promotion available to Officers is to either become a Detective in the investigative branch, or become a Sergeant and move into field supervision. From Sergeant or Detective you can promote to Lieutenant. There are over 250 different jobs in the LAPD. Some of them, like traffic investigator are done by hundreds of Officers, then there are specialized jobs, like SWAT, motorcycle Officers, horseback Officers, divers, fixed-wing pilots, helicopter pilots, public information officers, K-9 units, and bike Officers. Most of these require specialized training, and if you are selected, you are paid to be trained.