Application
The application consists of two parts:
- All applicants must register via myPD Registration and apply online. The online myPD application
consists of the following:
- Registered Information - personal application information
- Application Questionnaire - recruitment source information
Sections A & B will take you approximately 5 minutes to complete. We recommend you use Firefox or Internet Explorer as your web browser. You must complete BOTH sections before your application can be processed.
- All applicants must also create a profile and submit an additional application on the Personnel Website by clicking the “Apply” icon at the following link: City of LA Police Officer (this application is used for LAXPD, LA Port Police and LAPD).
** Please note that this is a second application that must completed to enable on-line testing. The remaining test parts in the Police Officer selection process will be scheduled and/or administered via the myPD portal.
What’s next?
You can now take the Multiple Choice Test. The test can be taken
online or in-person at any of the locations listed in myPD
portal.
For online testing:
After you complete steps 1 & 2, you will receive a unique test code within 5
business days. Please note you must take the test within 1 week or the code will expire.
For in-person testing:
After you complete steps 1 & 2 you can register for any of the listed test locations
via the myPD
portal.
Multiple Choice Test
The Multiple Choice Test can be taken online or in-person.Online Testing: Requires a computer with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection. Applicants can take the multiple choice test once they apply via the government jobs website and receive a test code via email. The test code is valid for one week.
In-person Testing: Applicants can take the test at any of the locations offered by the City of Los Angeles. Airport Police hosts the test every 1st Saturday of the month. You can find a schedule of locations, dates and times on your myPD portal.
Multiple-Choice Test Waiver Options:
You may waive the Multiple-Choice Test if you satisfy any of the following conditions:
- You are currently employed as an Associate Community Officer.
- You have successfully completed the California POST Regular Basic Course within the last three years.
- You possess a current Basic Course Waiver.
- You have taken the California POST Pellet-B test and earned an overall T-score of 42 or higher.
The Multiple Choice Test consists of 100 questions and it will assess spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension and clarity. You will have 1 hour and 55 minutes allotted to complete the test. The test is scored on a pass/no pass basis. Your score is valid indefinitely. If you fail, you are eligible to retake the multiple choice test after 2 months.
Preparation:
- high school English books
- reading and writing sections of test preparation books
- community college courses in reading and writing
Multiple Choice Test results will be emailed to you within 5 business days.
What’s next?
Once you pass the Multiple Choice Test, you will then have access to complete the Personal History Statement (PHS) via your myPD portal. However, you can start gathering the information required. A copy of the PHS can be obtained here.As soon as you pass the Multiple Choice Test you are welcome to attend our Candidate Workout Program to help prepare you for the physical demands of the Academy. You are also encouraged to take the Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ) as soon as possible and multiple times throughout the application process to assess and track your physical preparedness for the Academy. Your goal is to achieve a minimum PFQ score of 50% to be granted a Department Interview and move forward in the process.
Personal History Statement
You will have access to begin filling out your PHS, via your myPD portal, after you have successfully passed the Multiple Choice Test. Completion and submission of a Personal History Statement (PHS) is the first step of the Background Investigation. The PHS requires extensive biographical information. If you have not received your Multiple Choice Test score yet, you can gather the necessary information and documents for your PHS. A copy of the PHS can be obtained here.Time to think ahead and prepare...
You will be required to furnish an original and a copy of the following documents to proceed with the Background Investigation:
- Certified copy of your Birth certificate and/or U.S. Passport
- High School Transcripts (sealed)
- Proof of vehicle insurance in applicant's name
- Current Driver’s License
- Original Notarized Release and Waiver
- Social Security Card
- College Transcripts (sealed)
- Certification of Naturalization
- Child Support documents
- Bankruptcy documents
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Documents
- Probation agreements
- Traffic accident reports
- Military discharge Long form DD-214
If applicable
Begin to gather these documents now. Any delay in obtaining these documents will delay your consideration for employment.
Have you taken your PFQ recently?
You are encouraged to take the PFQ as soon as possible and multiple times throughout the application process to assess and track your physical preparedness for the Academy. Your goal is to achieve a minimum PFQ score of 50% to be granted a Department Interview and move forward in the process.
Physical Fitness Qualifier
The Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ) assesses your physical preparedness for the Academy. The PFQ consists of the following events:
- Maximum sit-ups in 1 minute
- 300 meter sprint
- Maximum push-ups in 1 minute
- 1.5 mile run
This is the same physical fitness test that academy recruits take on the third day of the police academy. You must score a minimum of 50% to move forward in the hiring process and be granted a Department Interview. If you do not achieve a score of 50% we encourage you to attend our Candidate Workout Program and continue to workout on your own and retake the PFQ as often as possible to reassess your physical preparedness.
Airport only applicants may attend any PFQ hosted by the City of Los Angeles and you must register for the PFQ via myPD portal.
Airport Police is currently hosting 1 PFQ per month. See calendar on the myPD portal to register.
Attire:
- Appropriate physical training gear (T-shirt, shorts/sweat pants, running shoes).
Items to bring:
- Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card. Any candidate who does not have a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card WILL NOT be allowed to take the test.
- PFQ Waiver
- Water
What’s next?
If you have passed your PHS and score 50% or higher on your PFQ, you may now schedule your Department Interview and Polygraph via your myPD portal.
Department Interview & Polygraph
After you get a PHS pass and PFQ score of 50% or higher you can schedule both your Department Interview and Polygraph.Department Interview
The Department Interview is currently being conducted virtually. Once you have scheduled your appointment time you will get further instructions via email.The Department Interview is conducted by a panel of 3 (typically 2 sworn supervisors and 1 Interview Specialist representing the City) to assess your personal accomplishments, job motivation, instrumentality, interpersonal skills, continuous learning orientation, and oral communication skills. The interview is approximately 45 minutes. The interview is on a pass/fail basis. If you fail, you may retake the Department Interview after 3 months.
You can register for the Department Interview via your myPD portal. See the calendar for available time slots.
Attire:- Business
- Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card.
Polygraph
The Polygraph Examination is conducted to confirm the information you have provided during the selection process. Just relax, be yourself and tell the truth.You can register for the Department Interview via your myPD portal. See the calendar for available time slots.
Stand-By Time SlotsDue to the high demand for Polygraph examination slots, the next available appointment for candidates to schedule can sometimes be multiple weeks in the future. If this is the situation, please consider the option to schedule a stand-by appointment. Please note that previously scheduled appointment slots are regularly becoming available on the administration date due to high cancellation and no-show rates.
Attire:
- Business casual- Candidates should not wear a suit, tie, long
sleeves, jeans, or
high heels. You are encouraged to dress casually and wear a short-sleeved, polo
style shirt/blouse.
NOTE: Due to the potential for taking both a Department Interview and a Polygraph examination, candidates who register for a stand-by appointment for both a Department Interview and Polygraph examination should arrive wearing attire for a Department Interview with a change of clothes that meets the dress code for a Polygraph examination.
- Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card. Any candidate who does not have a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card WILL NOT be allowed to take the Polygraph.
What’s next?
If you successfully pass both the Department Interview and the Polygraph then you will be assigned a Background Investigator.
Background Investigation
In the Background Investigation phase you will meet your Background Investigator, get your fingerprints taken and a thorough investigation will be conducted. The Background Investigation includes checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. The investigation may take from 60 to 180 days to complete. You will be evaluated on your past behavior and the extent to which your behavior demonstrates positive traits that support your candidacy for Police Officer. You will be notified if additional information is required. The findings of the background investigation are valid for 12 months.NOTE: Make sure you fill out, notarize and turn in the Release and Waiver. The Field Investigation cannot begin if your Release and Waiver has not been submitted.
Have you taken your PFQ recently?
You are encouraged to continue to workout on your own, regularly attend the Candidate Workout Program and take the PFQ throughout the application process to assess and track your physical preparedness for the Academy. Your goal is to achieve a minimum PFQ score of 50%, but be mindful that 70% is the minimum passing score for the Physical Test in the Academy.What's next?
After your Background Investigation has been completed, it will be sent for review and approval by an Assistant Chief. If approved, you will then be scheduled for a Command Review.
Command Interview
Upon review and approval of your Background Investigation, personnel from the Airport Police Hiring Unit will contact you to schedule you for a Command Review.
The Command Review (interview) is a conducted by Los Angeles Airport Police Command Staff to assess character, decision-making, interpersonal skills, knowledge about the department and motivation to join the Los Angeles Airport Police Department. The interview is approximately 30 minutes. The interview is on a pass/fail basis. Only those candidates who pass this part of the process will receive a Conditional Job Offer.
Attire:
- Business attire
- 9160 S. Loyola Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card. Any candidate who does not have a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card WILL NOT be allowed to take the test.
What’s next?
If you successfully pass the Command Review then you can schedule your Medical Evaluation by calling City of LA Personnel at 213-473-9060.
Medical Evaluation
The Medical Evaluation is thorough and it is essential that you be in excellent health with no conditions, which would restrict your ability to safely perform the essential functions of the police officer job. Good physical condition is necessary, as training in the Academy is rigorous. Failure to be in excellent physical condition may delay or disrupt training and result in a dismissal from the Academy. The written psychological test (valid for up to 12 months) and the treadmill test will be administered at this time.Body Fat
Each candidate will have their percent of body fat determined during the medical evaluation process. A candidate must not exceed the current body fat percentage standard. The current standard is: Female 30% and Male 22%.
Vision
Vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye with the following exceptions. If glasses are worn, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye while wearing the glasses and uncorrected distance vision must not exceed 20/70 in either eye and the better eye must be at least 20/40. If soft contact lenses are worn, they must have been worn for at least three months and vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye tested with the contacts in. If a LASIK procedure (refractive surgery) was performed, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye. In addition, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors, and must be free from other visual impairments that would restrict the ability to perform law enforcement duties.
Hearing
Candidates must be able to understand speech in noisy areas, understand whispered speech, and localize sounds. Specialized testing methods are used to determine hearing capability. Although hearing aid use is not automatically disqualifying, additional specialized tests will be administered to determine if the use of hearing aids will be permitted.
Drug Screening
Once appointed to an academy class, candidates will be required to complete a drug test using a hair sample approximately three weeks prior to the Academy start date. The hair sample process involves the nurse cutting off approximately 1 inch width of hair which is sent to a special lab that tests hair for different drugs. If the candidate has a shaved head then hair may need to be collected from the arms or legs.
Vaccine Verification
In accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive an exemption and report their vaccination status prior to appointment by the City of Los Angeles. The ordinance can be viewed here.
If you know you had prior treatment or a major injury, go to your doctor in advance and bring your records with you to the examination.
You can schedule the Medical Evaluation by calling City of LA Personnel at 213-473-9060.
Attire:- Athletic gear, you will be taking your PAT II (Treadmill Test)
- All applicants are required to bring and wear a face mask.
- 520 E. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 (on Temple between
Alameda and Vignes)
NOTE: Parking is not available at Medical Services Division (MSD). You may park at the lot on the corner of Alameda and Temple for the designated fee or at the meters located by.
- Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card
- Completed Report of Medical History
- Snack and water
What’s next?
If you successfully pass your Medical Evaluation the Psych Department will be contacting you to schedule your virtual Psychological Evaluation.
Psychological Evaluation
The Psychological Evaluation consists of an individual oral interview and evaluation by a City Psychologist on factors related to successful performance in the difficult and stressful job of Police Officer. The information evaluated includes the written psychological tests along with information obtained in the background investigation process.You will be contacted by the Psych Department to schedule your Psychological Evaluation.
Attire:- Business Casual
- 520 E. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Remote/virtual appointments can be accommodated for out of state applicants. Please contact (213) 473-6958.
- Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card
What’s next?
If you successfully pass all application/test parts then you will be added to our certified list for hire and will receive a call to be placed in an Academy Class.
