Application Process

Application Process

Application

All applicants must register via myPD portal and apply online. The online application consists of two (2) parts:
  1. Registered Information - personal application information
  2. Application Questionnaire - recruitment source information
Sections 1-2 will take you approximately 5 minutes to complete. You must complete BOTH sections before your application can be processed. You must submit the online application and print a copy and bring with you to the written test. To print, press PRINT ALL after hitting the submit button. If you are having trouble printing your application, we recommend switching to another web browser, such as Firefox or Internet Explorer.

Click here to complete your application

Multiple Choice Test

We have transitioned from the Personal Qualifications Essay to an online Multiple Choice Test.

The online Multiple Choice Test consists of 80-90 questions and it will assess spelling, vocabulary, reading comprehension and clarity. 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 3 months.

Currently, the Multiple Choice Test is administered online only, using remote proctoring. Candidates will need a computer with a webcam, microphone and reliable internet connection.

Multiple Choice Test results will be emailed to you within 5 business days.

You can register for the Multiple Choice Test via your myPD portal. See the calendar for available time slots.

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 Personal Qualifications Essay. 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 PQE score yet, you can gather the necessary information and documents for your PHS. A copy of the PHS can be obtained online at www.joinlaxpd.com under Forms.

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:
  1. Certified copy of your Birth certificate and/or U.S. Passport
  2. Sealed High School and College Transcripts
  3. Certificate of Naturalization or application for citizenship (if applicable)
  4. Child Support documents
  5. Bankruptcy documents
  6. Proof of vehicle insurance in applicant's name
  7. (4) Passport size photographs (2 inch by 2 inch)
  8. Marriage and/or divorce documents
  9. Probation agreements
  10. Traffic accident reports
  11. Military discharge DD-214
  12. Current Driver’s License
  13. Original Notarized Release and Waiver
  14. Social Security Card
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

PFQ Scoring Guide


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.

You can register for the PFQ via your myPD portal. See the calendar for available time slots.

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
Test results will be available within 10-15 business days. Your score is valid for 12 months.

What’s next?
If you score 50% or higher on your PFQ, you may now schedule your Department Interview and Polygraph via your myPD portal.

Department Interview & Polygraph

When you get to this step in the process you can schedule both your Department Interview and Polygraph.

Department Interview
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
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.
Department Interview results will be mailed to you in 10-15 business days. Your score is valid for 12 months.

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 Slots
Due 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.
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.
Results will be available within 10-15 business days and posted on your myPD portal. Your Department Interview score is valid for 12 months. The Polygraph results do not expire.

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?

Command Interview

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.

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.

Attire:
  • Business
Location:
  • 7303 World Way West, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90045

    NOTE: Park behind the building or across the street. Check-in with the Security Officer on the 1st floor.
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.
You will be notified telephonically of your Command Review results within 3 business days by the Airport Police Hiring Unit.

What’s next?
If you successfully pass the Command Review then you can schedule your Medical and Psychological Evaluation via your myPD portal.

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.

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 via your myPD portal.

Attire:
  • Athletic gear, you will be taking your PAT II (Treadmill Test)
Location:
  • 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.
Items to bring:
  • Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card
  • Completed Report of Medical History
  • Snack and water
You will be notified of your Medical Examination results via email, however there is no specified time frame as results vary per individual. Medical examination results are valid for up to 12 months, at the discretion of the City's medical staff.

What’s next?
If you successfully pass your Medical Evaluation then you can schedule your Psychological Evaluation via your myPD portal.

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 can register for the Psychological Evaluation via your myPD portal.

Attire:
  • Business Casual
Location:
  • 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
Items to bring:
  • Valid State or Federal issued photo identification card
You will be notified of your Psychological Examination results via email, however there is no specified time frame as results vary per individual. Psychological examination results are valid for up to 12 months, at the discretion of the City's medical staff.

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.


Back To Top