How to join the police academy
 

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Article #1: LAPD application process

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To join the Los Angeles police force, for the Academy.
download the formal job listing as posted Step 4 - Background Investigation
by the City of Los Angeles. The Background Investigation begins with
In general, you will need to be prepared, completion of a Personal History Form
do some studying and be honest and (which requires compilation of extensive
forthcoming. For in-depth detail on each biographical information), completion of
step in the process and how to prepare additional questionnaires,
for it, visit Prepare for the Tests and fingerprinting, and an interview with a
find the Police Department recruitment background investigator. If you meet the
downloads section. City's standards, a thorough background
There are nine police officer description investigation will be conducted. It will
steps to the application process: include checks of employment, police,
Step 1 - Preliminary Background financial, education, and military
Application (PBA) and Job Preview records and interviews with family
Questionnaire (JPQ) members, neighbors, supervisors,
All applicants must complete the on-line, co-workers, and friends.
interactive Preliminary Background Step 5 - Polygraph
Application (PBA) and Job Preview The Polygraph examination is conducted to
Questionnaire (JPQ). The online PBA will confirm information obtained during your
identify issues that you should resolve background interview.
before beginning the selection process Step 6 - Department Interview
and will tell you if you have a realistic The Department Interview will be
chance of success in the background conducted by a panel to assess your
investigation portion of the selection personal accomplishment, job motivation,
process. The online JPQ includes continuous learning orientation,
questions designed to help you better instrumentality, interpersonal skills,
understand the nature of Police Officer and oral communication skills. Only those
work. Bring the printed results with you candidates who are selected during this
to the test site. part of the process will move forward in
Step 2 - Personal Qualifications Essay the selection process
(PQE) Step 7 - Medical Evaluation and
The Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE) Psychological Evaluation
consists of essay questions related to The Medical Evaluation is thorough and it
judgement and decision making and is essential that you be in excellent
behavioral flexibility. Your written health with no conditions, which would
communication skill will also be restrict your ability to safely do police
evaluated. The passing score that you work. Written psychological tests and the
receive will determine your placement on second portion of the PAT will also be
the eligible list. If you fail, you may administered at this time. The medical
retake the PQE after three months. evaluation also includes a Psychological
Step 3 - Physical Abilities Test (PAT) Evaluation that consists of an individual
The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) oral interview and evaluation by a City
consists of two portions. The first psychologist on factors related to
portion is designed to measure strength, successful performance in the difficult
agility, and endurance. The second and stressful job of Police Officer. The
portion measures aerobic capacity and it information evaluated includes the
will be administered usually at the time written psychological tests as well as
of the medical evaluation. It is a pass the background findings.
fail test. Many applicants train for this Step 8 - Certification and Appointment
test either by participating in the free The Certification and Appointment /
Candidate Assistance Program offered by Pre-employment Substance Screening are
the LAPD or by training on their own. The the final steps in the selection process.
physical fitness program at the Academy To be considered for hiring, you must
is intensely rigorous, and passing the have successfully completed all steps in
Physical Abilities Test does not the selection process. When a candidate
guarantee that you will be fit enough to is appointed will depend on the next
pass the Academy Program. This is why available class date, selection by LAPD
most dedicated applicants will continue management, and accordance with
to train after the PAT, in preparation provisions of the Consent Decree.






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