A: No, but it will help you to become familiar with the City.
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 below:
A: The City of Los Angeles is looking for individuals that who 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. You are required to wear a uniform unless you are in an administrative position or doing undercover work. For exact guidelines, please review the Department grooming and appearance policies as outlined below:
A. Yes. You start earning salary and benefits on your first day at the academy!
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: It is not a live-in academy. 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: There is no cost for the application or for any test portion.
A: The process usually takes about 6-9 months, but it varies. Do your best to prepare and get through each portion.
A: Yes; the Personnel Department and the LAPD host "Expedited Testing Events" where invited candidates can fast-track the hiring process by completing the Multiple-Choice Test, Physical Abilities Test, and Interview all in a single session.
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.
A: Yes. Once appointed to an LAPD 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.
A: Yes. The Release and Waiver Form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. Once it has been properly notarized, submit the completed form to the Backgrounds Unit when instructed. Forms that are not notarized will delay the background investigation process.
A: No; if you took the PFQ before June 26, 2026, your score is locked in and you do not need to take the PAT for your current active application, but if you reapply after that date under the new bulletin, you will have to take and pass the PAT to move forward in the selection process.
A: Applicants who wish to apply for one or more of these classification should select the preferred classification(s) in the “Application Type” section of their application on myPD.joinLAPD.com. After the myPD application has been submitted, a Government Jobs application must be submitted via the Police Officer (2214) posting. This second application can be accessed at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacityAlthough this application is specific to the Police Officer classification, applicants will have the opportunity to apply for any of the classifications listed above by selecting the preferred classification(s) when prompted in the Supplemental Questionnaire. If you are interested in applying for the Airport Police Officer (3225) or Port Police Officer (3221) examinations, please review the relevant job posting(s) on https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity before submitting your application via the Police Officer (2214) posting.