The Signing Bonus provides $10,000 to qualified lateral candidates applying for the position of Police Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. The Signing Bonus is offered for a limited time only and is contingent on the availability of funds. Many of your questions about the details, candidate eligibility and program expiration can be found below. To view the complete ordinance in its entirety, please click here.

What is the Los Angeles Police Department Signing Bonus Program?

LAPD Signing Bonus Program is a pilot program to encourage qualified, experienced officers (laterals) to join the Los Angeles Police Department. Both Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Chief William Bratton are committed to growing the department to ensure the City’s safety and prosperity.

Who is eligible?

The signing bonus program will cover lateral recruits who have started the training academy on or after January 8, 2007 and have graduated the training academy by March 31, 2009.

For information on lateral (Police Specialist) requirements, please click here .

How much will I receive?

A lateral recruit will receive a maximum signing bonus of $10,000.00 ($5,000.00 upon graduating the training academy; $5,000.00 upon successful completion of their probation period.)

What is the operative date?

The operative date is May 19, 2008. The operative date activates the start of this program.

When will I receive my signing bonus?

Lateral recruits will be eligible to receive their signing bonus in two payments (1) graduation from academy, (2) successful completion of probation period.

What steps must I take to receive my signing bonus?

The Commanding Officer of LAPD’s Training Division will forward correspondence to LAPD’s Fiscal Operations Division with the names of those Lateral Recruit Officers who are to receive the first half of their signing bonus. Fiscal Operations Division will pay the candidates by check within 6 to 8 weeks.

When the Lateral Recruit Officers successfully complete their probationary period, the Commanding Officer of LAPD’s Personnel Division will forward correspondence to LAPD’s Fiscal Operations Division with the names of those who are to receive the second half of their signing bonus. Fiscal Operations Division will pay the officers by check within 6 to 8 weeks.

When does the program end?

The program will end on March 31, 2009. The graduating class of Lateral Recruit Officers in March 2009 will be the last eligible group to receive the appointment bonus. NOTE: The Signing Bonus is offered for a limited time only and payments are contingent on the availability of funds.

For additional questions please contact :

The LAPD Recruitment Division at (866) 444-LAPD or by email at joinlapd@lapd.lacity.org