To join the Los Angeles police force, download the formal job listing as posted by the City of Los Angeles. In general, you will need to be prepared, do some studying and be honest and forthcoming. For in-depth detail on each step in the process and how to prepare for it, visit Prepare for the Tests and find the Police Department recruitment downloads section. There are nine police officer description steps to the application process: Step 1 - Preliminary Background Application (PBA) and Job Preview Questionnaire (JPQ) All applicants must complete the on-line, interactive Preliminary Background Application (PBA) and Job Preview Questionnaire (JPQ). The online PBA will identify issues that you should resolve before beginning the selection process and will tell you if you have a realistic chance of success in the background investigation portion of the selection process. The online JPQ includes questions designed to help you better understand the nature of Police Officer work. Bring the printed results with you to the test site. Step 2 - Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE) The Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE) consists of essay questions related to judgement and decision making and behavioral flexibility. Your written communication skill will also be evaluated. The passing score that you receive will determine your placement on the eligible list. If you fail, you may retake the PQE after three months. Step 3 - Physical Abilities Test (PAT) The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) consists of two portions. The first portion is designed to measure strength, agility, and endurance. The second portion measures aerobic capacity and it will be administered usually at the time of the medical evaluation. It is a pass/fail test. Many applicants train for this test either by participating in the free Candidate Assistance Program offered by the LAPD or by training on their own. The physical fitness program at the Academy is intensely rigorous, and passing the Physical Abilities Test does not guarantee that you will be fit enough to pass the Academy Program. This is why most dedicated applicants will continue to train after the PAT, in preparation for the Academy. Step 4 - Background Investigation 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. Step 5 - Polygraph The Polygraph examination is conducted to confirm information obtained during your background interview. Step 6 - Department Interview The Department Interview will be conducted by a panel to assess your personal accomplishment, job motivation, continuous learning orientation, instrumentality, interpersonal skills, and oral communication skills. Only those candidates who are selected during this part of the process will move forward in the selection process Step 7 - Medical Evaluation and Psychological 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 do police work. Written psychological tests and the second portion of the PAT will also be administered at this time. The medical evaluation also includes a Psychological Evaluation that 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 as well as the background findings. Step 8 - Certification and Appointment The Certification and Appointment / Pre-employment Substance Screening are the final steps in the selection process. To be considered for hiring, you must have successfully completed all steps in the selection process. When a candidate is appointed will depend on the next available class date, selection by LAPD management, and accordance with provisions of the Consent Decree. Want more information on the LAPD hiring process? Contact an LAPD recruiter: 866-444-LAPD (866-444-5273) or email Join LAPD atjoinlapd@lapd.lacity.org