High School Students
While you are not eligible to join the LAPD until you are 21 years old, and have either graduated from high school or attained your GED, the following programs can start you on your way:
The Law Enforcement Cadet Program
If you are 14 years old or older and are in ninth grade, you might be eligible to join the Cadet Program. Cadets assist police officers with crowd control, field searches for evidence, and station tours. In addition, they are eligible to go on Cadet trips around California and around the country. Previous Cadets have gone on camping trips to Yosemite and Big Sur, as well as to Hawaii and Washington, D.C.
Past and present Cadets agree that the program is rewarding and fun. They credit the program with teaching them skills that they bring with them into careers in law enforcement and the Armed Services. The Cadet Program has helped participants to achieve in High School and introduced them to life long friends.
Are you eligible to be a Cadet? You are if you:
- Pass a preliminary investigation
- Have at least a "C" average and maintain it through the 12th grade
- Have no record of serious arrests or convictions
- Maintain good moral character
- Be free of any physical deficiencies that would jeopardize the Cadet or others in the program
- Obtain a medical examination (to qualify for insurance)
- Attend and graduate from the Cadet Academy
- Pass an oral examination
- Write an autobiography
- Register with Learning for Life, which does not discriminate, based on color, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic background, economic status, or citizenship. The City of Los Angeles and the LAPD do not endorse any policy, which discriminates based on sexual orientation.
- Demonstrate a willingness to serve and participate in Cadet activities
For more information visit: www.lapdonline.org
The Los Angeles Police Academy Magnet High School Program
Five LAUSD High Schools currently offer the Los Angeles Police Academy Magnet High School Program. The four- year high school program offers a rigorous, police officer-led high school curriculum developed for young men and women expressing an interest in a career in law enforcement. Students follow a high school curriculum that emphasizes criminal justice, while also preparing them for entrance into the University of California system. In addition, the L.A.U.S.D. program has established an early conditioning program with specialized weight room and obstacle course training in order to prepare students for the Police Academy's rigorous physical entrance and graduation requirements. Admission to the program is open based on availability to all LAUSD students through the District Magnet program.
For more information visit: www.lapdonline.org







