LAPD Written Exam and Hiring Process

[HckyBez33]

I am going in tonight for the written exam, I was wondering if any of you have taken it and can let me know what to expect and what they are looking for.

Also how is the rest of their process? How fast do they move people along who past the written?

Also I would love to hear from any officers that currently work for LAPD and how they like the dept.

Thanks!

[VChopefull]

Only because I want to beat IronBruin to the punch.

http://policebackground.net/Forum/index.php

The above link is really good and very informative...Good luck in the process!!

[archercapt32]

The written exam is not to difficult, it basically consists of answering a few essay questions. Make sure you actually answer the question and do it in a complete and concise manner. The process moves along fairly quick. Definately check out the link posted above, lots of great information! Any question you could possibly have is most likely already answered on that website. Best of luck!

[VChopefull]

I am going in tonight for the written exam, I was wondering if any of you have taken it and can let me know what to expect and what they are looking for.

Also how is the rest of their process? How fast do they move people along who past the written?

Also I would love to hear from any officers that currently work for LAPD and how they like the dept.

Thanks!

ADD.

Your timing couldn't be better! Next weekend LAPD is having a "grand Opening" of one of their two new stations (Olympic Station). I was at the other station's Grand opening last weekend and it was really cool. It will really pump you up for the process! The new stations they are building are awesome and the tour will make you want to go to work for them.

Do your self a favor and go to the grand opening next weekend. My dad is active duty LAPD so I was at the one last week, Very Cool!!


http://www.lapdonline.org/ Click the link and scroll down about 1/4th of the way and you will see the flyer on the right column for the ceremony next weekend.

PM:me if you have further questions..

[IronBruin]

Only because I want to beat IronBruin to the punch.

http://policebackground.net/Forum/index.php

The above link is really good and very informative...Good luck in the process!!

I hate you :)

[geo141]

When I took and passed the test it was basic grammar with a written essay. I hope it goes well for you in your quest to join us...

[TKDBlack]

They sent me my notice about two weeks after I took the written test. However, I am not satisfied with my passing score, and am thinking about retaking it. Would I be able to still to the PAT and initial background investigation? (If I told the BI that I would retake the test in order for them to use the higher score)

[EricDel]

I was under the impression that the written essay was really just a pass/fail test.

[no1099'shere]

Does it have math on it? If so what kind? That's def. my worst area!

[VChopefull]

Nope Just Essay form....Very easy if you went to school in the US...Dont worry their written is easy.

[no1099'shere]

Do a lot of agencies still have math though on their written tests? I've been looking at Rialto Police Department as well

I'm totally fine with writing, I am really detailed when it comes to reports. :)

[IronBruin]

They sent me my notice about two weeks after I took the written test. However, I am not satisfied with my passing score, and am thinking about retaking it. Would I be able to still to the PAT and initial background investigation? (If I told the BI that I would retake the test in order for them to use the higher score)

Let me guess, you got a... 75?

[EricDel]

Do a lot of agencies still have math though on their written tests? I've been looking at Rialto Police Department as well

I'm totally fine with writing, I am really detailed when it comes to reports. :)

Depends on the agency really. I know some have basic basic math, but a lot of places have none whatsoever.

[VChopefull]

I would say "Most" have no math. Just my experience. Fine with me. I do my best to stay away from math....It's not healthy for me lol

[Stugotz]

Only because I want to beat IronBruin to the punch.

http://policebackground.net/Forum/index.php

The above link is really good and very informative...Good luck in the process!!


X2! I'm a moderator at PB.net and can vouch without bias for the site :D

[IronBruin]

X2! I'm a moderator at PB.net and can vouch without bias for the site :D

That's an LAPD site, go get your own site Mr. LASD!:p

[StringerBell]

I'm signed up for expedited testing since I live in NY and I can't be more excited to get out there! it seems the LAPD is really making an effort to attract those with 4 yr degrees.

[TKDBlack]

Let me guess, you got a... 75?

Yes:o how did you guess?

[IronBruin]

Yes:o how did you guess?

Because 90% of people get a score of 75. Don't re-take the test, the 75 won't affect your process at all:)

[TKDBlack]

Because 90% of people get a score of 75. Don't re-take the test, the 75 won't affect your process at all:)

Wow. You just saved me many sleepless nights. Thank you so much for that info. I needed that :cool:

[IronBruin]

Wow. You just saved me many sleepless nights. Thank you so much for that info. I needed that :cool:

No problem:)

[TKDBlack]

No problem:)

I also noticed on the form that anyone with military experience will get an additional 5 points.
Have you met anyone who scored higher than 75 (without military credit)?

[myla23]

yes, I did. No military exp. and got an 85.

[TKDBlack]

yes, I did. No military exp. and got an 85.

Awesome. Congrats!

I hope I score higher than you in the physical test, then :p

[IronBruin]

Awesome. Congrats!

I hope I score higher than you in the physical test, then :p

The PAT is a joke, and it's pass/fail, you don't get a score.

As I said, 90% of people get a 75, the other 10% get an 85, but having a 75 will not hurt your process at all(and having an 85 won't help it at all). The point is, you passed!

[LDRaderjr]

i passed the written test with a score of 75 as well. what is the most difficult portion of the academy?

[ende333]

also got an 85 but i have military, i did the expeited on jan 5-7 does anyone know when or how long it goes before they say you can do the second half of testing? also i took a poly will there be another one along the road?

[IronBruin]

http://policebackground.net/Forum/index.php

[ebdiesel]

I would not recommend that you apply for LAPD if you are a white male. You would be very lucky to get in

[TKDBlack]

I heard that the Asian/pacific islander and hispanic applicants are getting more leeway right now.

[BIG RICH]

I would not recommend that you apply for LAPD if you are a white male. You would be very lucky to get in

what if your a hispanic that looks like a white male:D thats what i fall under.

[VChopefull]

I would not recommend that you apply for LAPD if you are a white male. You would be very lucky to get in

Dont listen to this stuff! I happen to know for a fact thats not true..LAPD is the only department that has not had their hiring process affected by the budjet cuts. They are trying to hire minioritys but they are hiring PLENTY of white males. They need bodies! No matter what color those bodies are

[IronBruin]

I would not recommend that you apply for LAPD if you are a white male. You would be very lucky to get in

That's not true at all.

[LA Copper]

I would not recommend that you apply for LAPD if you are a white male. You would be very lucky to get in

I was at the academy today and saw the most recent class to start and can say this isn't true.

[KANGx]

I'm in the hiring process.. about to take my 2nd Dept. Interview b/c I failed my 1st!! NP though.. went to oral prep, been attending CAPs, and went to a ride-a-long!! I'll def it get it next time.

I got an 85 on my essay and when I met my BI.. he complimented me on my writing so I thought that was cool~

Currently in BG and Mock Interview this saturday.. wish me luck fellas! and good luck to you too!

If you ever attend CAPs M/W at Manchester be sure to look for me.. I'll probably be the only Asian or one of few Asians there. I run Intermediate and by next week (hopefully) Advanced!

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

I was at the academy today and saw the most recent class to start and can say this isn't true.

have you taken the interview yet? if so can you give me some pointers?

[myla23]

I heard that the Asian/pacific islander and hispanic applicants are getting more leeway right now.

I've heard this before from others, specifically about hispanics right now. How has the last several academy classes been regarding the amount of African Americans? Anyone familiar?

[LA Copper]

have you taken the interview yet? if so can you give me some pointers?

Yes, I had my interview..... back in 1988!
Sorry about that, I'm already on the job here. You might want to ask some of the other guys who are still in the process.

[EricDel]

have you taken the interview yet? if so can you give me some pointers?

I just got done the expedited testing not too long ago. The interview I thought was pretty standard. They send you sample questions, as long as you take your time filling them out, you'll be fine. Just make sure you can answer a question, don't just say a yes or no answer.

[CommunityShield]

I've heard this before from others, specifically about hispanics right now. How has the last several academy classes been regarding the amount of African Americans? Anyone familiar?

There's a handful (3) in the 1-09 class. About half of the class is hispanic of some type.
Each race is pretty well represented.

[bigjoel]

About how long does it take to finish the written exam? If it starts at 7 would i be out by 8 or 8:30?

[IronBruin]

About how long does it take to finish the written exam? If it starts at 7 would i be out by 8 or 8:30?

Depends on how fast you can write three essays.

[Patrickg]

Plan for a good 1 1/2 hrs for the written. They say plan for 3 but I've never spent that long on a written. Have of your time will be taken up by the standard test announcements and reading of city policies etc.

Regarding the rest of the process - It's all fairly easy. PAT is a joke, as most other departments; Interview is really the toughest part but if you practice and go in with a fairly good idea of answers to several questions then it still shouldn't be a problem; Polygraph, Psych, Medical all easy.

My one bit of advice to you is not to get your hopes up. I went through the whole process a bit over a year ago. I recieved my conditional job offer and passed all test/backgrounds etc. My B.I. forwarded my file onto personnel (as is policy) to review and told me that his only concern was a reprimand I had from a prior job but that if anything it might be requested that I put 6 months between that reprimand and call back LAPD.
1 year later, after trying to contact the personnel employee with my file several times and hearing nothing back I get a letter informing me that I have not been chosen...for a few reasons. One of the reasons was an accident that I had 11 years prior when I had first recieved my license.
A big dissapointment for me. So again, don't get your hopes up. In the meantime though good luck.

[LuvLeighAn]

The test is common knowledge stuff. Can’t tell you what is on the test because you sign a paper.

I took the LAPD test back in 2001 I don’t think they changed it that much. The room was full when we went in then they started to call names and we had to leave the room. I was like I know I passed that. It was easier then the GED test. Those of us that had to leave the room passed the test. There were only a few tables left.

The test is easy. Don’t over thank anything. If you know the laws and how police should act (not the way they do on TV or the bad ones) you’ll have those. If you have good morals you have those questions. And just use your brain.

If they still have a sample test take it. Look on LAPD’s website. If they don’t have one, the corrections department does (the test is not really the same but it close and will help). That test is easy also.

I have dyslexia and have passed Michigan, Texas, and California’s corrections test; California probation exam and LAPD exam, and the Sheriffs exam for some job in their corrections unit. These tests are easy. Just as easy as the GED if not easier.

I don’t remember any of these tests having math on them and if they do it would be basic math. Most are morals, ethics, and laws. Also what would you do or what should have been done, what was not done right type of questions.

The only department that would have math on their test would be high way patrol, because they use math in their job, to calculate someone’s speed during impact. And how much over the speed limit someone was going for the ticket.

The essay is easy. If I was you, I would print everything, use the scrap paper first, and reread your answer before putting it on the test.

If you are dyslectic like me write it at the top of the test, you will need proof down the line.

I was never told the score of my essay but I was scheduled an interview but I moved back to Michigan and plus I hadn’t lost the weight yet. I was told it would take at least 6 months before I would be interviewed. Not, it was about a month or two.

Start practicing for your interview as well. Don’t share too much information; I always go wrong on this.

Start doing push up and set ups, and side steps, bike riding and peddling with your arms like your arms are your feet. These are the most common tests between departments.

Most of the tests look to see if you last the whole time with out stopping not how many you do or how fast you do.

For any of the peddling start out slow and work your way up in speed. Mostly for the arms. Even the guys that did this one said that’s were they messed up. I started out really fast but had to stop, the side step if you have long legs your fine, if you have short legs you will need to work at it, this one does count how many times you get from one side to the next.

Get someone that is around six feet tall have them stand with legs out starched, mark it, then double that. That’s about the side you have to side walk with out crossing your feet or legs.

They might have you do warm ups first, DO THEM

DO NOT compete with others.

For your interview dress up, thank C.E.O. outfit. And be early. Do breathing exercises.

It might sound weird to most but do some acting warm ups.

Do some warm up of the body and mouth, do visualizations of how you want toe interview to go. Questions that might be asked and how you should answer them, work on different answers. Pick the best one.

Some questions you might be asked
Why do you want to be a cop?
What would you do if you witnessed __?
Tell me a time when you had to deal with an angry customer, what did you do, what was the out come?
How would you handle a co-worker that is breaking the law?
Thank of questions like these ones.

Give firm hand shakes even to the females, the way you shake a persons hand tells them what you thank of them. I hate it when guys give me a limp hand shake because that tells me they thank I am weak.

And remember to breathe, while you are waiting to go in do breathing excises, and when you go in before answering their questions take a deep breath and think before you speak.

Remember to smile.

Best of luck

[LuvLeighAn]

had trouble sending

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

Yes, I had my interview..... back in 1988!
Sorry about that, I'm already on the job here. You might want to ask some of the other guys who are still in the process.

I just got done the expedited testing not too long ago. The interview I thought was pretty standard. They send you sample questions, as long as you take your time filling them out, you'll be fine. Just make sure you can answer a question, don't just say a yes or no answer.

LOL OK THANK YOU SIR!

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

I just got done the expedited testing not too long ago. The interview I thought was pretty standard. They send you sample questions, as long as you take your time filling them out, you'll be fine. Just make sure you can answer a question, don't just say a yes or no answer.

THANK YOU SIR IF YOU HAVE ANYOTHER HELPFUL INFO PM ME

[oc0331]

About how fast is the process going from written to academy date? What should I wear to the written?

[IronBruin]

About how fast is the process going from written to academy date? What should I wear to the written?

Depends, 4 or more months, and that's if the process goes quickly. I would suggest business casual, but anything will do for the written.

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

How Long Does It Tkae To Get The Results From The Poly?

[IronBruin]

How Long Does It Tkae To Get The Results From The Poly?

As with every step of the process, it depends! I got a call the next day, some people get a letter within a few weeks, others wait months.

[tripletdad]

Can anyone tell me how the PAT, mile and a half treadmill test works? On the website it says the run is completed in ten minutes twenty seconds. That seems extremely fast to me! I would appreciate any insight.

I would also like to know how much running is done in the academy. I am a 42 year old male and am worried about the p/t. Thanks

[IronBruin]

Can anyone tell me how the PAT, mile and a half treadmill test works? On the website it says the run is completed in ten minutes twenty seconds. That seems extremely fast to me! I would appreciate any insight.

I would also like to know how much running is done in the academy. I am a 42 year old male and am worried about the p/t. Thanks

I'm not sure where you got your information on the PAT, but there is no running until the PAT2 and it's only for 12 minutes starting from a walking pace with increasing speed and incline.
http://policebackground.net/Forum/index.php

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

took the poly last week still havent recieved any word, ironbruin are u an lapd officer?

[IronBruin]

took the poly last week still havent recieved any word, ironbruin are u an lapd officer?

Nope, but I am certified for hire. I received a call telling me that I could move on the day after my poly. Some people receive letters weeks later, some have to wait months for a decision. Be patient, if you don't get word in a couple weeks then you may want to call them.

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

10-4 Thank You Sir

[VChopefull]

In the LAPD thread the term should be "Roger" not "10-4" haha JK....

IronBruin: Congrats on being certified for hire.....!

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

Since I Work For Lasd Ill Used 10-4 Intill I Get Hired Lol

[(5-0)SD OR PD?]

About To Take The Dept Interview In About 2 Weeks Any Advice? Im Going To The Interview Prep Seminar On Thursday But Was Wondering If You Had Any Additional Info, Thanks

[archercapt32]

Everyone's interview is slightly different but ranges from 15-25 minutes. The seminar will provide you with some sample questions, as well as some interview tips.

Make sure you are dressed in proper business attire, be confident in your answers, make sure you actually answer the question they are asking you, be concise in your answers and try not to ramble. Be ready to answer why you want to work for the LAPD and what have you done to prepare yourself to be a police officer? Make sure you practice your responses to the sample questions from the seminar OUT LOUD! Know about the organization your are interviewing with. Maybe do a ride a long before you have your interview.

Lastly at the end of the interview they will ask you if you have anything to add...this is your chance to make a brief statement to the board about why they should hire you. This is your sales pitch to the board! At the end make sure you thank the board for their time. Make sure you check out policebackground.net, lots of good interview tips on there. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. Good luck!!

[FormerPolice]

Does anyone know if LAPD is hiring alot of people, right now???

Thanks

[LA Copper]

Does anyone know if LAPD is hiring alot of people, right now???

Thanks

I don't know about "a lot" but we are still hiring..

[lan12]

Not exactly related to the LAPD testing process, but LAPD career related:

I was wondering, given how the LAPD is involved in some of the worst neighborhoods in possibly all of California (correct me if I am wrong, all I have is the media to inform me), are career-ending injuries, such as Officer Kristina Ripatti's injury, common? Is it reasonable for a new rookie to expect to medically retire someday? Or do most officers make it through without receiving career ending injuries?

Thanks.

[breezygirl]

formerpolice: i took my test about 2 weeks ago, and havent got my results yet. they said it would take7-9 days, so i called yesterday and asked about the scores, and they said they haven't even graded mine yet because they are so backed up from all the applicants. I say you should still apply if you want because you will still have a chance, even though the competition is growing each day. just go for it! :)
i also asked about the next academy class and the sgt. told me that they are goint to be hiring up until July, but that was all she knew 4 the time being because july is the end of their fiscal year of hiring or something. so if you're going to do it, get out there and go test NOW while you still have a chance.

[Showboat]

Not exactly related to the LAPD testing process, but LAPD career related:

I was wondering, given how the LAPD is involved in some of the worst neighborhoods in possibly all of California (correct me if I am wrong, all I have is the media to inform me), are career-ending injuries, such as Officer Kristina Ripatti's injury, common? Is it reasonable for a new rookie to expect to medically retire someday? Or do most officers make it through without receiving career ending injuries?

Thanks.

I just had a discussion about this tonight; if you are not ready/willing to be injured or killed in the line of duty (it happens) then this is not the job for you. Harsh words, but very true.

Those words don't just apply to LAPD, but any department. Yes, that applies to those "safe" departments like Santa Monica, Irvine, Burbank, Beverly Hills, etc. Just because they are lower crime areas does not mean that you can't be injured or killed on duty (Burbank lost Matthew Pavelka, a rookie officer, a few years ago). You never know.

[LDRaderjr]

i am getting sent overseas to japan for my last year in the marine corps. i was going to continue my testing with lapd but i have to leave in july. is there enough time to complete everything with expedited testing before i leave?

[LA Copper]

Not exactly related to the LAPD testing process, but LAPD career related:

I was wondering, given how the LAPD is involved in some of the worst neighborhoods in possibly all of California (correct me if I am wrong, all I have is the media to inform me), are career-ending injuries, such as Officer Kristina Ripatti's injury, common? Is it reasonable for a new rookie to expect to medically retire someday? Or do most officers make it through without receiving career ending injuries?

Thanks.


It sounds like you might be a bit paranoid. Why would a rookie expect to medically retire, especially the way Officer Ripatti did? It could happen but it could happen in any profession.

What will happen if you stay on the street for any length of time is you will get hurt in some form; a broken leg/arm; maybe some stitches; a sprained anke; a gunshot; a car accident, etc. Or you might even get killed, anything's possible.

Like showboat said, it could happen anywhere, in any city. Granted there's more of a chance in a city like Los Angeles or Oakland or San Diego but that's just because of the sheer volume of stuff going on.

[LDRaderjr]

hey everyone just looking for a bit of advice. i got a year left in the marine corps and i just got orders to japan for my last year. is there enough time to get through the whole process within about 4 months with expedited? any suggestions would be great. thanks

[IronBruin]

hey everyone just looking for a bit of advice. i got a year left in the marine corps and i just got orders to japan for my last year. is there enough time to get through the whole process within about 4 months with expedited? any suggestions would be great. thanks

It's recommended you apply when you are six months from EAS. Expedited doesn't speed up the whole process, it just allows you to do several things on one weekend if you are coming from far away.
http://policebackground.net/Forum/index.php

[Call_me_Tom]

hey everyone just looking for a bit of advice. i got a year left in the marine corps and i just got orders to japan for my last year. is there enough time to get through the whole process within about 4 months with expedited? any suggestions would be great. thanks
Talk to your Career Planner and see about getting a 6 month extension. Then transfer to Seps Plt on Camp Pen to finish out your LAPD hiring process.

[CalPolyGrad]

hey everyone just looking for a bit of advice. i got a year left in the marine corps and i just got orders to japan for my last year. is there enough time to get through the whole process within about 4 months with expedited? any suggestions would be great. thanks

The process is fast. It has only been 3 months and I'm already at med/psych evaluation. Good Luck :)

[IronBruin]

The process is fast. It has only been 3 months and I'm already at med/psych evaluation. Good Luck :)

But that's the fast part of the process, the long part is the background investigation and it's approval. People are waiting 12+ weeks from the completion of the investigation to get their background investigation approved.

[CalPolyGrad]

But that's the fast part of the process, the long part is the background investigation and it's approval. People are waiting 12+ weeks from the completion of the investigation to get their background investigation approved.

True

[pescimove]

True

Get ready for the process to slow down quite a bit. Some people get lucky, me personally, I've been waiting months now from the time my BI got started. I started my BI back in October, it was just submitted in February and now I'm waiting for the call.....or the letter.