LAPD vs LASD

[Flanker]

I looked around the forums to see if this had been discussed before, but couldnt find much.

What are the pros/cons of working for each organization? Which one would be better for someone like me (white, recent college grad, and new to the LA area)?



Thanks...

[SgtCHP]

"Six of one, half a dozen for the other!"

Both are great agencies and each has its own goods and bads. If you go with LASD it means a period of service working in the custody section - LAPD no! LASD has a larger geographical area of responsibility than LAPD. Pay is nominal in both. Retirement programs are nominal. Opportunities for advancement are about equal. Both academies are fairly equal in application. One wears Tan and Green and the other wears Blue. Either way is a good choice for career opportunity. Good luck with which ever agency you choose.

[JRODF4]

I would have to say equal. It would depend on what color you would want to wear Blue or Tan.

[Retired96]

Being retired from LASD I would take the Sheriff's Dept. There are many more duty assignments that one can pursue.. Granted all new Deps start in the jail and will eventually go to patrol, but you can't drive a radio car forever. As one gets older many do like working custody, courts, transportatrion. There are many units that are Monday/Friday with weekends and holidays off. Overall both ae good Depts. but I think LASD has many more choices of assgnments. I have known Deps. that spent their entire careers in the jails and courts etc. because that is what they wanted in life for their career. With a Dept. that large not everyone can work patrol or be a detective.

[Five-0fromSoCal]

Another area mentioned was retirement. LASD gets lifetime medical for you and your spouse. Very few depts get that (LAPD doesn't). There's also more overtime with LASD and different units you can work it at.

[StoneWalJackson]

HOw long you have to work the jails, I have heard anywhere from 6 months - 2 years?

[LA DEP]

HOw long you have to work the jails, I have heard anywhere from 6 months - 2 years?

Depending on which station you choose to do your field training at, your stay in custody will range from 6 months to 3-5 years......

The numbers vary depending on how many people we are hiring at the time, and how many are moving from patrol to specialized units and/or promotion....

[417Lt]

HOw long you have to work the jails, I have heard anywhere from 6 months - 2 years?
My cousin was told near the end of his LASD academy that because he had a Class A driver's license and 10 years experience driving a gas tanker through the streets of LA County he would be working transportation. He drove the big bus for a while then got put in a van doing high profile stuff. He taxied some of the big names in the mid 90's and enjoyed it. When he did get out on patrol he found it wasn't to his liking so he went back to custody. He has over 10 years at Wayside NCCF and says he'll never leave. I guess predictable hours and lots of OT can be attractive.

[LA DEP]

My cousin was told near the end of his LASD academy that because he had a Class A driver's license and 10 years experience driving a gas tanker through the streets of LA County he would be working transportation. He drove the big bus for a while then got put in a van doing high profile stuff. He taxied some of the big names in the mid 90's and enjoyed it. When he did get out on patrol he found it wasn't to his liking so he went back to custody. He has over 10 years at Wayside NCCF and says he'll never leave. I guess predictable hours and lots of OT can be attractive.

It sure can......

I'm surprised he didnt go back to transportation......they have some gigs over there that get serious OT.......

This is one big advantage of LASD.....if you dont like custody, you dont ever have to go back (until you promote) once you get out to patrol......if you dont like patrol, you dont ever have to do that either, once you do your one year patrol time.......

[Sgt.Reality]

This site still surprises me how few LAPD guys with more than 8 years on frequent this site.

Both agencies have a lot to offer.

I'll be to the point:

If you're a white male, LAPD is not interested in you at this time. I really don't care if that's not politically correct but the writing's on the wall. Too many white males have submitted apps. with us and LASO on the same day and ended up hired by LASO after having their package's dragged on and reviewed over and over unnecessarily by civillian (vs. sworn LASO) polygraphers and background personnel.

Too many political chiefs via the police commission, city council, and city personnel have lofty goals of hiring people based on a laundry list of priorities that have nothing to do with quality.

Trust me, it was tough to post this but that is the truth. And for any LAPD sworn backgrounds personnel reading this, come talk to me when you've worked the majority of your career in patrol and worked Metropolitan Division, otherwise, you have'nt been out there in this dept. to truly understand what is going on. The Federal Consent Decree is also another hurdle our officers must deal with, does'nt tie your hands but equals more paperwork for sure.


On the flip side, if you are'nt caucasian, or you are a female, you can't beat LAPD for variety or chance to get a specialized spot. 250 motor officers compared to about 100 at LASO, 280 Metropolitan/SWAT officers compared to 80 at LASO SEB, SIS with 20 dedicated Detectives, Air Support for the biggest police air ship fleet in the country-25 pilots.

Big difference is with us, you take a civil service exam to make Detective. That means you can be a detective your whole career, without risking getting the boot out of a specialized Det. spot if funding ceases and you are only a senior deputy vs. a tenured Sergeant in LASO Detectives.

Many more ranks, three levels of detective, two levels of Sergeant, two levels of Lieutenant, three levels of Captain.

Spouses DO get medical in retirement(starting at age 55), pension is roughly 8% less at 25 years, but most LAPD retire at a higher rank than slick sleeve PII so that percentage is equal or more. Pay scale will bounce back and forth. We've had more the last 6 years, that can change in one new contract either way. And the DROP program (paid retirement rate on top of your current rate for last 5 years of your career=double pay), has made some savy old timers very well off.

Not a dis by any means, I have plenty of friends at LASO, even a former LAPD Captain (Conte), that promoted at LASO. Find out what YOU want to do, then go for it. Jail time was'nt for me, and I always wanted to work Metropolitan Division, so my choice was easy. I am also "dual status"(Sergeant/Detective), so I can try out for many more openings than just having one or the other rank.

I am Glad LASO still runs a somewhat stressful academy, most So. Cal academies (ours included) are a ghost of what real pressure induced training used to be back in 92 when I got on. Of course, my father in law could say the same thing about me since he went through LAPD's back in 65"/LOL.

Good luck in your endeavors

[DOAcop38]

I looked around the forums to see if this had been discussed before, but couldnt find much.

What are the pros/cons of working for each organization? Which one would be better for someone like me (white, recent college grad, and new to the LA area)?



Thanks...

Don't buy into "i'm a wht guy",i don't have a chance mindset!!! Most of those "so called" minorities have names like "hernandez" and "ortiz" and couldn't speak a lick of spanish IF their lives depended on it ( mainly 'cause they are only using their "grandma's name" to identify themselves as "hisp" for the job application)-Stop by the Academy on Manchester and LOOK at the classes- very few dark skinned recruits in these classes- so much for the "Affirmative action edge",IF there ever was one...:rolleyes:. what you will be facing is STIFFER competition becuase as a young white person , the MAJORITY of the people they'll have you competing against are people that match YOU- its not right,but thats how the game is played! Apply for LAPD and I guarantee you'll get processed fast. My own city dept-LAX- wouldn't even get "touched" by a young wht applicant with your education level even as early as 7 yrs ago- but nowadays,the majority of people coming into probation in my Dept are both young,white,predominently male,and educated( second largest # are Asian males, then Hisp males,hisp females,then Blks).also expect competition from people with equal educational background and more life/work experience-the economy is bad and people who are "30 somethings" ,from wht collar jobs, are opting for the more secure L.E. and civil servant gigs( my personal feelings on this are on "RECORD" here and mixed,as I'd take a former marine grunt,or a waitress ANYDAY over some"9-5",coffe sucking, former desk jockey looking for a pay check to stay middle class!).

what have you got going for yourself OTHER than "I'm young and have a college education"? volunteer work? good employment track record? specialized clubs or groups in college? knowledge of the community you'll want to serve? THATS what will sell you OVER the avg applicant. LASD will probably process you faster,you can make a very good salary- my compton buddy is a FTO making $8,000/mo,and a SGt I know cleared $160K last yr with very little OT- but for promotions and opportunities,I'd say LAPD. you deal with a diverse community and its not all hell and high water,compared to being tossed to the proverbial wolves in Century,Lennox,Compton,Carson and East L.A. stations with LASD or doing 3-5 in the county jails!I like LASD,but in reality,by the time you hit patrol as a Deputy sheriff, you'll probably be a Detective or SGT with LAPD!

www.lapdonline.org

P.S.

Try good alternate depts like :

Santa monica PD

Glendale PD

Beverly Hills PD

Culver City PD

torrance PD

Inglewood PD

LAUSD PD ( "yup"-L.A. unified School dist,PD)

L.A. Port PD

[cbuckle]

as it is not "proof" because it is only one case, my situations speaks to Sgt. Reality's statements.

I am a white male. i scored 96 on my written as well as scored the highest in my group on the PAT. i have a squeaky clean driving/criminal record and in addition, passed my poly and oral board with flying colors and was subsequently sent my letter of DQ.

a friend of mine, who is hispanic, went through the process concurrently. we tested on the same day for written and PAT. he got an 85 on the written. he had to take 2 polys(due to drug history which was more extensive than my own) and did not pass the oral board the first time. he is now clear for hire and has been told by his BI to expect a call for the next academy.

my process with the lasd was as smooth as silk. written to cleared for hire was just over 3 months. my BI, as well as my fathers friend in IA with LAPD, contacted LAPD personnel and were unable to get a straight answer from anyone.

as i said, its only one case. no disrespect to LAPD as many family friends are with the agency, it just has been the direction they have been going.

--might be interesting to see some demographics on the topic.

[DOAcop38]

cbuckle - sometihing "smells" about what you are telling me! DQ after a "clean background check?" NO WAY..even here at LAX,I don't KNOW of one current or even past applicant here at LAX that got on the job with less than a score of "90"-the current exam is pass/fail and is all essay writing.I'd seriously be concerned if LAPD was processessing your buddy ! People,even myself have been critical of LAPD, but - having been in their process in the past and having trained (Academy and AOT courses) ,LAPD is alot of things, but NOT scraping the bottom of the barrel for qualified applicants.and coming from a generation that KNEW drug use of any kind was a "no" if you wanted to be a cop, I find it seriously disturbing of the non chalant attitude this current generation have about "trying" drugs, drug use, and taking jobs of responsibility !!! If you are successful in your LASD process,I wish you well,an i hope you THINK about what your "babbling" could have cost you. As for your "friend"?With a nearly 50% Hisp community in L.A. , I SERIOUSLY DOUBT yOUr buddy with an "85" score as you say, was the BEST qualified out of his batch of applicants,particularly in light of the FACT that my former trainee is a background inv,and daily in contact with LAPD /L.A. city back grounds,nor even the BEST hisp MALE CANDIDATE they could have chosen........:(

[cbuckle]

my sentiments exactly. my DQ letter was a little fishy as well. it listed about 8 "possibilities" for DQ. i was was not through the backgrounds completely, however, my BI with LASD spoke to all the same people and i was cleared with no snags. he even made it a point to bring up the reasoning(or lack of) behind the DQ. kinda odd.

[417Lt]

You're better off not worrying about why it seems someone is getting an advantage over you. That is, unless you want to make a career out of fighting LE agencies instead of working for them. Try harder or go to an agency where that problem doesn't happen as much. There are some things you just can't change and you'll be bitter from the start if you dwell on them.
Like you I had a cumulative score of 95% in the hiring / testing process. I thought I was hot stuff until the list came out and I found out I was competing against people at 115%.
:eek:115%:WTF! How do you get 115%?
Afirmative action was raging in State service at that time and all I could do was try harder and hang in there. I hung in there and prevailed but the best part was that I developed a mindset and a work ethic that I benefit from to this day.
I kept a copy of that list with those names and numbers. Everyone above 95% is gone.

[cbuckle]

You're better off not worrying about why it seems someone is getting an advantage over you. That is, unless you want to make a career out of fighting LE agencies instead of working for them. Try harder or go to an agency where that problem doesn't happen as much. There are some things you just can't change and you'll be bitter from the start if you dwell on them.
Like you I had a cumulative score of 95% in the hiring / testing process. I thought I was hot stuff until the list came out and I found out I was competing against people at 115%.
:eek:115%:WTF! How do you get 115%?
Afirmative action was raging in State service at that time and all I could do was try harder and hang in there. I hung in there and prevailed but the best part was that I developed a mindset and a work ethic that I benefit from to this day.
I kept a copy of that list with those names and numbers. Everyone above 95% is gone.

absolutely..thus the switch. after some research, i found LASD to be as good, if not a better fit for me. glad you made it. how do you like the dept?

[DOAcop38]

You're better off not worrying about why it seems someone is getting an advantage over you. That is, unless you want to make a career out of fighting LE agencies instead of working for them. Try harder or go to an agency where that problem doesn't happen as much. There are some things you just can't change and you'll be bitter from the start if you dwell on them.
Like you I had a cumulative score of 95% in the hiring / testing process. I thought I was hot stuff until the list came out and I found out I was competing against people at 115%.
:eek:115%:WTF! How do you get 115%?
Afirmative action was raging in State service at that time and all I could do was try harder and hang in there. I hung in there and prevailed but the best part was that I developed a mindset and a work ethic that I benefit from to this day.
I kept a copy of that list with those names and numbers. Everyone above 95% is gone.

EXACTLY- EXPECT TO BE TURNED DOWN BY AT LEAST 2/3 AGENCIES YOU APPLY FOR !!!!! Had a background Inv in '88 tell me I "wasn't what they were LOOKING for " at anaheim PD and was even told ,by my investigator that it would smarter for me to apply at LAPD.! in '89 I had a personnel analyst on my RTDPD.MTAPD interview sarcastically tell me that i didn't "talk or act like a REAL blk man from L.A" ( true story and sadder- she WAS BLK),so believe me,I know that "games" are played when applying in an agency.Like you said,417LT- you have to do your BEST and SELL yourself; you can't worry about what the "other" guy is getting .........

[hankido2000]

I also know someone who was cleared for hire and was one week away from starting the academy with LAPD only to have a LT. in backgrounds call him to tell him the bad news. He enrolled into RH this past January and got hired by an agency in the SGV.

[417Lt]

absolutely..thus the switch. after some research, i found LASD to be as good, if not a better fit for me. glad you made it. how do you like the dept?
I'm glad I stuck with my choice (CDF&G).

[Berlioz]

I applied for LAPD and LASD within one week of each other. By the time LASD contacted me for a preliminary BG interview, I was almost halfway done with my LAPD process and background. LAPD seemed to make it a point to be prompt while LASD seemed like they had all the time in the world to get things done. LAPD personnel mostly seemed helpful and able to help and answer my questions. In 5 months, I was hired and starting the LAPD Academy where as my LASD BG wasnt started. Im a male white, BTW. I

[Sarkis]

I occasionally come here to the California boards, I'm glad I found this.

I don't meant to hijack a thread, but there's a lot of talk about "Affirmative Action" and hiring "diverse people" (non-whites).

In the university and school system I have had relations with outside of California, as an Armenian, I am considered "Caucasian" and was not able to apply for any grants or scholarships that were for "diversity." During trainings for my RA position there was a lot of heated arguments because of the trainings and I was identified as "white" and put with the "white group" when they separated people of "color" and "whites."

That being said, when applying (if I apply to California departments), I don't want to sound like I'm trying to get an unfair advantage over anyone, but I need anything I can, can I say that I can offer "diversity" to the department because of my Armenian ethnicity?

[Sgt.Reality]

All due respect DOA,

I see 8-10 boots a month into my div., try 1 male white, 4 female hispanics, 3 male blacks, 2 male asians.

That's pretty much the make up the last 2 years, just change gender, numbers of a particular "minority". (white males became the true numerical minority in LAPD around early 07).
That being said, NO problems with ME. I AM saying if you are a male white, you will have a harder time getting through the hiring process than if you are a non male white. 98% for a white male equals 78% for a "minority" on entry orals, that's a fact. You won't find that in print, but those in the know have confirmed it many times over.

As for life experience, LA CITY personnel (not LAPD backgrounds), wants younger (inexperienced) recruits. I'm sure age is the leading factor when retirement, medical costs are considered by a pogue way up in city hall that has no clue as to life experience, prior job history, etc.

Many other good agencies are hiring right now that do not have the same ridiculous hoops my agency is placing out there at this time to get in.

To say we are hiring the best would be a lie. If I did'nt enjoy what I do now, I'd be going to recruiting to offer some changes (I know damn well they'd show me to the door the first day I walked in/lol).

Enough said, both good agencies, pick what works for you, the guys saying don't worry about others are right, but remember, knowing any avaliable intel. on a particular problem (hiring in this case), is part of being a good cop: learn the facts, make adjustments,make a decision, carry out a plan, and succeed.

[Berlioz]

All one has to do is go to www.lapdonline.com

Per the website:
The ethnic breakdown of the class is 10 Caucasians, 21 Hispanics,
1 African American, 1 Vietnamese, 2 Filipino, and 2 Koreans.
In addition, 2 male lateral officers will graduate with the regular recruit class.
There are 34 males and 3 females in the graduating class.

This is for the most recent graduating class. They usuall have a post about every class that graduates.

Another thing Ive heard is that LAPD excepts 75% as a passing score. LAXPD/Port PD wont hire you if you less that 90%.

[Sgt.Reality]

That's an unusual class to say the least, try looking back at the last 20, a lot more the norm.

[Flanker]

what have you got going for yourself OTHER than "I'm young and have a college education"? volunteer work? good employment track record? specialized clubs or groups in college? knowledge of the community you'll want to serve? THATS what will sell you OVER the avg applicant.




I am working as a full time intern right now for OPM, the government agency that does BIs for the government. As far as college groups, its mostly rugby for me.


Thanks to all for your responses...

[hankido2000]

I occasionally come here to the California boards, I'm glad I found this.

I don't meant to hijack a thread, but there's a lot of talk about "Affirmative Action" and hiring "diverse people" (non-whites).

In the university and school system I have had relations with outside of California, as an Armenian, I am considered "Caucasian" and was not able to apply for any grants or scholarships that were for "diversity." During trainings for my RA position there was a lot of heated arguments because of the trainings and I was identified as "white" and put with the "white group" when they separated people of "color" and "whites."

That being said, when applying (if I apply to California departments), I don't want to sound like I'm trying to get an unfair advantage over anyone, but I need anything I can, can I say that I can offer "diversity" to the department because of my Armenian ethnicity?
I'm Middle Eastern and I've never checked or have been asked to check the "Caucasian" box on any form or application. My family originated from the Persian Gulf (Bahrain) and I too dark to be considered Caucasian. If an application or form doesn't have the appropriate box, I'll check the other box instead.

During oral interviews most of the interviewers know that I'm Middle Eastern due to my first name and the hyphenated last name. Then they'll proceed with the "Do you speak Arabic?" question.

[Berlioz]

Im of Middle eastern decent too. Most forms have a box that will be for caucasians and have middle eastern in parenthesis.

[hankido2000]

Im of Middle eastern decent too. Most forms have a box that will be for caucasians and have middle eastern in parenthesis.
If that's the case, I'll check the other box then. A lot of Bahraini Arabs are pretty dark compared to other Arabs from the Levantine countries. Some Arabs refer to Persian Gulf Arabs as "Afro Arabs".

[mtxpro752]

I'm Asian, there is no "Asian" box, there is Chinese Japanese and Korean. I am none of those so I always check "other" or "other Asian" if it's there.

[Flanker]

This is a bit unrelated to the main topic...

I have only been to LA once before, and I of course will be coming into LA for the expedited testing...but will me being unfamiliar with the city be detrimental?

[cbuckle]

This is a bit unrelated to the main topic...

I have only been to LA once before, and I of course will be coming into LA for the expedited testing...but will me being unfamiliar with the city be detrimental?

well..the LAPD personnel building is on temple downtown (easily accessed from the 110 fwy), whereas the LASD pre-employment is in monterey park on eastern (at 10/710 interchange). both fairly simple to find, especially if mapquested. also, im sure they would be happy to assist you if you were to get lost along the way. just make sure you have the facility phone #s handy.:D

[417Lt]

This is a bit unrelated to the main topic...

I have only been to LA once before, and I of course will be coming into LA for the expedited testing...but will me being unfamiliar with the city be detrimental?
Forget directions. Get yourself a Garmin Nuvi GPS and go anywhere in the world like a native. It even knows which streets are one-way when you get downtown. All you need to know are the addresses of where you want to go.

[Sarkis]

I'm not middle eastern though, so I won't be able to mark that. What I will do from now on is just mark the "other" and put "Armenian" if there is a location for other.

[DOAcop38]

During oral interviews most of the interviewers know that I'm Middle Eastern due to my first name and the hyphenated last name. Then they'll proceed with the "Do you speak Arabic?" question.

you KNOW the SAD part- they( people in L.E. mgm't) still THINK that all arabic speaking people are the ONLY ones involved in "terrorism"-most of the real problems in world global terror on the "islamic side" ARE NOT middle eastern nor Arab(Pakistanis and Iranians ,Chechens,asians, africans,Afghani,even western converts and "pseudo muslim" african americans,like the former crips recently convicted of robbery and terror plots in Torrance,CA)

but hey, you have a second language,and education-use it to your advantage....

[DOAcop38]

.....We have civilians who don't like cops anyway decide who we hire, most of these are of non-white decent who at one time had one of there family members booked on the 13th floor from a white cop from 1970's but still hold against all other white applicants. But then again LASD has the bowman act so....... It is what it is!!!!

Thats funny- I could have sworn it was because alot of folks on the "civie" side merely held it against fellow L.E. in the city of L.A becuase some COME with this very "ARROGANT" attitude that they have been "annointed" to be cops??? Maybe its just me, but having been down to temple street quite a few time, I've noticed, even "overheard" some of the most absurd comments from applicants about "why" they DESERVE to be a cop in a city they've rarely visited or even lived in !!!!.

BTW- never had any family member (unless it was a distant relative ) booked on the 13th flr.and I've always SCORED high on entrance exams as well as in the top tier in promotional exams since I've been on the job- guess it was all that "affirmative action" ,and NOT the FACT that in my youth,I was well read and fairly articulate and Bright!( actually had a female Sgt in one of my police interviews ask me IF I was "Mulatto",which in spanish refers to a "donkey"-a dumb ,non breeding beast of burden !:( ). My LAPD academy had a mere handful of Blk candidates- of the 7/60+ classmates, 4 had their B.A degree,one of which was an LAPD "Legacy",and son of a Ad-vice Lt,3 of the 6 were former Sgts in the Army and Marines,and one a Navy Petty Chief and Muy Thai instructor,and of course -"dumb" ol' me with 6 units shy-at the time- of my AA degree.

It was federal decrees that FORCED LAPD to hire more minorities in the late '70s and early '80s- the Sheriffs dept in the '70s',as "cowboy" as they were, would actually HIRE MORE visible minorities,in terms of Blks and Hisps,even asians.

Places like 77th and So.West div were rife with racial animousity toward minority officers ,even in the late '80s.As recently as a few yrs ago a former LAPD Wht female Capt and "shining star" in the Dept( later convicted of video piracy and criminal enterprises with her Biker Gang boyfriend) was "happy" with the reputation of bullying Blk and hisp employees- Do you REALLY "think" that type of mentality doesn't have reprocussions? As far as White applicants being "squeeky" clean to get in?- not really.A former neighbor used meth, hung with a-holes and made it thru in 2000;he's NOW a Sgt in west L.A.People get hired under the "faulty" belief that the the polygraph will "tell all"- alot of people pass it.and if your B.I. can't uncover your dirt,most people AREN'T going to reveal it.The mere fact that there is so much competition for wht applicants is BECAUSE ALOT OF WHT APPLICANTS apply for the job,over alot of "visible minorities"!

I truly don't believe in "quotas",but it wasn't until the late '80s /early '90s when the idea of a "fair" chance for EVERYONE who is "qualified" actually started taking root.NOW the "PC" pendulum has swung way over to the left,and alot of people who SHOULDN'T be on the dept are getting promoted,almost just "given" the position -because they have the right butt kiss mentality or "paint job".Its a lame attempt to make up for all the people who took a kick in the mouth and busted their butts to make it on the job in the past -people ,who-like Charles P.williams and Earl Riddick, had to pay the price to "prove themselves".

In my academy class,all I heard all day was about "when I get down to the southend" or "can't wait to get my ghetto stompers(boots) dirty",or " I want to be a REAL Ghetto gunfighter" ,but unlike the non L.A. /L.A county residents that said this- I actually SAW in my childhood and teens what a few AGGRO LAPD officers liked to do to "less fortunate" locals when I lived in first Newton area,then 77th area.Those SAME officers would have NEVER gotten away with doing that Sh*t in the OC to their lneighbors or people they CARED about...


WE can hark about unfairness all day- and whether you like it or not ,in terms of hiring- you'll find their are always two sides of the coin. As for people capable to hire on? I will support ANYONE( regardless of race) who comes my way to get on the job- all I ask is that they have MORE than a desire to collect a paycheck.This job requires people-regardless of race or sex, who are willing to take up the badge.and in todays perilous LE world,we need smarter,stronger,braver people..........

[LA Copper]

This is a bit unrelated to the main topic...

I have only been to LA once before, and I of course will be coming into LA for the expedited testing...but will me being unfamiliar with the city be detrimental?

If you're referring to detrimental to your being hired, then no, it won't be, although I recommend you do some research to become somewhat familiar with the City. There are many of us from outside California, myself included, who are on the job here in LA. I too did the expedited testing 20 years ago and it worked for me.

As for white guys getting on the job, I currently sit on entry level oral interviews and can tell you that you stand just as much of a chance of getting hired as anyone. We are still trying to hire a lot of folks so it's pretty much even all around.

[DOAcop38]

If you're referring to detrimental to your being hired, then no, it won't be, although I recommend you do some research to become somewhat familiar with the City. There are many of us from outside California, myself included, who are on the job here in LA. I too did the expedited testing 20 years ago and it worked for me.

As for white guys getting on the job, I currently sit on entry level oral interviews and can tell you that you stand just as much of a chance of getting hired as anyone. We are still trying to hire a lot of folks so it's pretty much even all around.

Thanks-LA COPPER !! really tired of hearing that mess ! all an applicant needs come to the job with is good interview skills, clean record ,physically fit, and with some decent work and life experience( education is also a +) Part of the job is,like many priv. industry jobs, actually meeting and SEEING the applicant- I advise the applicants to present yourself in clean,"conservative" manner,and you will open doors.........

[pulicords]

Double post-sorry!

[pulicords]

"It was federal decrees that FORCED LAPD to hire more minorities in the late '70s and early '80s- the Sheriffs dept in the '70s',as "cowboy" as they were, would actually HIRE MORE visible minorities,in terms of Blks and Hisps,even asians." (From DOAcop38)

The above really should be cleared up DOA. It wasn't a "federal decree", it was a Consent decree that the defendants' (the ultra liberal Los Angeles City Council) agreed to in federal court which led to unrealistic hiring "goals" (quotas) of minorities by that municipality. A real stacked deck when all things are considered. The same liberal groups who were suing the city (ie: ACLU, etc...) included as members or supporters the very defendants (City Council members) that were being sued. When those unrealistic hiring "goals" (quotas) were agreed upon by the too "friendly" rivals, the real losers were the police department and the people it served. The L.A. City Council members who approved the plan were now completely unaccountable for the social engineering experiment, just like they would be when they voted to allow a liberal federal judge to control the agency as a result of the "Rampart Scandal."

LASD in those early years and since, have managed to hire large numbers of qualified minorities because they've had a more aggressive recruitment program and believed affirmative action programs didn't need to lower standards to meet goals so long as those goals were reasonable.

The cultures of both departments differ and how to change the nature of any organization is open to discussion and debate, but to deny that the City of Los Angeles has made it easier to get hired if one is a member of the "targeted group" (those they want) is just as much nonsense as it is to deny the other more easily found applicants (W/Ms) will be passed over using any possible excuse. IMHO, this pertains not just to hiring, but the promotional process too. Even though I've not been employed by either agency full time, I've seen enough situations personally to be thoroughly convinced it's happening. It's a sad situation that's going to continue to plague the department (LAPD) for years to come and only seems to make racial divides worse over time. The organization, it's employees and the City's residents deserve better.

[DOAcop38]

"funny" you mention the target group hiring!!!- ONCE LA city started hiring MORE Wht male officers, and placing them at LAXPD, Airport PD GOT BETTER training,equipment and PAY...
..
but "yes" the city DOES deeserve better- currently they are hiring anyone who DOESN'T like the idea of being a cop,but wants the $60-90K/yr paycheck

[Sarkis]

"funny" you mention the target group hiring!!!- ONCE LA city started hiring MORE Wht male officers, and placing them at LAXPD, Airport PD GOT BETTER training,equipment and PAY...
..
but "yes" the city DOES deeserve better- currently they are hiring anyone who DOESN'T like the idea of being a cop,but wants the $60-90K/yr paycheck

It's interesting that you mention what I bold, I didn't think people who didn't want to be police officers would apply because of pay until a while ago that there was a discussion I read that some officers dodge calls, that could be someone's life.

[pulicords]

"funny" you mention the target group hiring!!!- ONCE LA city started hiring MORE Wht male officers, and placing them at LAXPD, Airport PD GOT BETTER training,equipment and PAY...
..
but "yes" the city DOES deeserve better- currently they are hiring anyone who DOESN'T like the idea of being a cop,but wants the $60-90K/yr paycheck

We had/have similar issues too. I had F/W was assigned to me as a ride along before completing the hiring process. She told me she decided to be a cop, because firefighter friends convinced her being a paramedic was too stressful! We ended up hiring her and the problems she caused were endless. Ultimately she left for "greener pastures"- LAPD! Our loss was their.... loss!:D

[LAschoolCop]

I say LASO...Two words Consent Decree!!

[DOAcop38]

I say LASO...Two words Consent Decree!!

..you mean "condescending 3rd degree" !!! if you are patrol and dirt under your fingers oriented- I say LASD also( they have alot of specialized positions,but from talking to my LASD buds, its "all about patrol",then maybe back to custody or courts when you're older) But if fast tracking and specialty jumping is where your heads at- LAPD(patrol officers are treated like crap in LAPD,and I've watched guys I know in West bureau get dround down over some of the dumbest stuff- Know an officer who had an IA hanging over his head because he recovered an abandoned stolen,found porn mags and tapes in it, but didn't throw the stuff out when the owner was notified to come on the scene and get the cars back!!!) Despite both posive and negative opinions of LAPD- I believe the consent decree was a SERIOUS joke that put unneeded shackles on them......

[pulicords]

Despite both posive and negative opinions of LAPD- I believe the consent decree was a SERIOUS joke that put unneeded shackles on them......

Well we sure agree on this point. When I was assigned to a taskforce with LAPD officers a suspect made a BS theft allegation. To me 'BFD', the allegation was totally groundless and I had no problem with it. IMO (with my agency) if you haven't done anything wrong, don't worry about complaint(s). With the LAPD guys it was as if the sky was falling! They were terrified about consequences due to the complaint alone, not whether or not there was any truth to it. How they could work in that fearful environment was beyond me.

Thread hijack on topic: About the time of the above, I went to lunch and (in addition to food) picked up a diamond ring I bought custom made for my wife as an anniversary present. While unpacking my lunch, I "accidentally" dropped the boxed ring on the floor where one of my LAPD co-workers obsd it.

When he picked it up and asked if it dropped out of my bag, I denied knowing anything about it. He opened the box, saw it's content and freaked out!!!!:eek: He thought it was an IA "sting" and started searching the office for hidden cameras. Of course I ultimately told him the truth (ROTFLMFAO!!!!), but WTF kind of a place to work in where you even think like that???

[Berlioz]

Know an officer who had an IA hanging over his head because he recovered an abandoned stolen,found porn mags and tapes in it, but didn't throw the stuff out when the owner was notified to come on the scene and get the cars back!!!)

Im trying to figure out how IA would even make a beef out of that. Wouldn't it be more wrong to throw things away on your own assumption? I was taught that unless its weapons of potential evidence, dont touch it.

[pulicords]

What ever became of the officer(s) that impounded the TC vehicle in the Valley and didn't notice the deceased passenger during the inventory search?

[LAschoolCop]

What ever became of the officer(s) that impounded the TC vehicle in the Valley and didn't notice the deceased passenger during the inventory search?

Nice!!! hahahahaha :D

[LA Copper]

Im trying to figure out how IA would even make a beef out of that. Wouldn't it be more wrong to throw things away on your own assumption? I was taught that unless its weapons of potential evidence, dont touch it.

PSB wouldn't be the ones making the beef, that would be the R/O of the vehicle. PSB would be the ones investigating it. PSB doesn't usually "make a beef," they usually just investigate them. Unless of course you're talking about an integrity audit.


Yes, it would be more wrong to throw them out, especially if they belonged to the suspect(s). Fingerprints would most likely be all over the pages so you may potentially be destroying evidence if you threw them out.

[pulicords]

Yes, it would be more wrong to throw them out, especially if they belonged to the suspect(s). Fingerprints would most likely be all over the pages so you may potentially be destroying evidence if you threw them out.

If the vehicle was a "straight stolen" with no "hold for prints" on the CLETS stop, would the officer(s) still be in violation? My understanding of LAPD forensic's requests is that GTA vehicles and their contents are not printed unless there are some significant circumstances behind the request.

If the officer threw the items out and they belonged to the R/O, I could see a complaint lodged against him/her for that reason. Overall, this sounds like a total BS complaint regardless of who lodged it against the officers. There are more important things I/A could be spending their time investigating.

[DOAcop38]

Im trying to figure out how IA would even make a beef out of that. Wouldn't it be more wrong to throw things away on your own assumption? I was taught that unless its weapons of potential evidence, dont touch it.

ctzn complained,and said the officer "showed indifference" by not disposing of the items which upset her,and telling her to "just toss them out" herself. He worked as a P-3 in West Bureau( won't say the station) and they lumped this on top of a lot of other petty IA beefs to ultimately fire him. right now,I understand,he's trying to appeal his board of rights decision with the city to get his job back.



one thing I found sad,was while booking suspects at Pacific Area LAPD Jail, associates from LAPD would warn us that its "possible" that we were being "RECORDED",so that we watch what we say to suspects and amongst ourselves.Never found any proof of this,and IF so-wondered WHY the mighty LAPPL wouldn't step in to stop this madness (L.A Police protective league DOES HAVE some "juice" in the state and locally)

[DOAcop38]

If the vehicle was a "straight stolen" with no "hold for prints" on the CLETS stop, would the officer(s) still be in violation? My understanding of LAPD forensic's requests is that GTA vehicles and their contents are not printed unless there are some significant circumstances behind the request.

If the officer threw the items out and they belonged to the R/O, I could see a complaint lodged against him/her for that reason. Overall, this sounds like a total BS complaint regardless of who lodged it against the officers. There are more important things I/A could be spending their time investigating.

Sometimes work with SID- they are MOST definitely NOT going to print that car without a DOJ stop message or "hold", or a request from Auto detectives. LAPDs Internal affairs unit seems mandated these days to pin officers to the wall-no more "burn'em to learn'em", just plain old "burn them and goodbye".Puli- i think we've already talked about that certain leader i have to deal with now,and i think he seriously likes the way that LAPD handles officers in that manner(some of it is being replicated here).you can NO LONGER trust your Sgts, trainees and new officers,becuase they are all running scared of an IA complaint,or even the idea of getting one,and just happy as larks to sell you down the river on a lame complaint to make themselves look good. told a CPT station 28 dep I know about this ,and he laughed- he had a preventable T/c and was given 5 days with 2 rolled back as a suspension- His station Capt TOLD him to "make sure he did at least 3 extra OT days " before the suspension was implemented- The city of L.A. would NEVEr have a supv take care of you like that..... + for LASD

[LA Copper]

If the vehicle was a "straight stolen" with no "hold for prints" on the CLETS stop, would the officer(s) still be in violation? My understanding of LAPD forensic's requests is that GTA vehicles and their contents are not printed unless there are some significant circumstances behind the request.

If the officer threw the items out and they belonged to the R/O, I could see a complaint lodged against him/her for that reason. Overall, this sounds like a total BS complaint regardless of who lodged it against the officers. There are more important things I/A could be spending their time investigating.


We're not talking about the car itself being fingerprinted, we're talking about the magazines. They have a much better chance of having fingerprints on them. As far as the car itself goes, you are right about a significant circumstance, although sometime when a rash of specific cars are being stolen and recovered, we would print them also. SID folks would just go to the tow yard and do it there, it happens all the time.

Regarding the complaint, it would depend. If the R/O made the complaint for the reasons DOA mentions, then I agree, it would be BS, however, because of the Consent Decree, we are required to take it. That doesn't mean it would be used against him, which is a popular myth many officers, especially from outside agencies, believe would happen.

If true, the officer should not have told the R/O to throw out "property" left behind by a felony suspect, wrong thing to do.

As far as the recording at the jails, rumors like that fly around all the time, that doesn't mean they're true. Let's face it, cops are good at perpetuating rumors, especially when they've got good "dirt" attached to them. IA doesn't need to really do any of these things, rumor alone does the job for them!

[ateamer]

one thing I found sad,was while booking suspects at Pacific Area LAPD Jail, associates from LAPD would warn us that its "possible" that we were being "RECORDED",so that we watch what we say to suspects and amongst ourselves.Never found any proof of this,and IF so-wondered WHY the mighty LAPPL wouldn't step in to stop this madness (L.A Police protective league DOES HAVE some "juice" in the state and locally)
The intake area at our jail has been video and audio recorded for at least 15 or 20 years, and there is a sign advising of such. It has come in handy many times to vindicate officers on uses of force.

[Flanker]

Shameless bump.


Thanks for the responses

[TheInlandEmpire]

I occasionally come here to the California boards, I'm glad I found this.

I don't meant to hijack a thread, but there's a lot of talk about "Affirmative Action" and hiring "diverse people" (non-whites).

In the university and school system I have had relations with outside of California, as an Armenian, I am considered "Caucasian" and was not able to apply for any grants or scholarships that were for "diversity." During trainings for my RA position there was a lot of heated arguments because of the trainings and I was identified as "white" and put with the "white group" when they separated people of "color" and "whites."

That being said, when applying (if I apply to California departments), I don't want to sound like I'm trying to get an unfair advantage over anyone, but I need anything I can, can I say that I can offer "diversity" to the department because of my Armenian ethnicity?

I think you'd be a great candidate for Pasadena PD, Burbank PD, or even LAPD. Especially if you speak the language. I'm sure there are several more agencies I'm missing that have big Armenian populations. Anyway, I have the same story about Affirmative Action with the LAPD process in 89-91. I died on the vine twice after finishing everything (certified twice) while the Rafael Perez's were getting hired. It sucked, but I didn't give up, and I'm pretty happy where I am now.

[pulicords]

Try Glendale PD (neighbors Pasadena/Los Angeles/Burbank). This city has the highest number of Armenians found outside of their actual country(s) of origin.

[mtxpro752]

Not sure about LASD but LAPD for sure has "integrity checks" and will set you up for a beef. I know a motor cop who was on code-7 taking a bite of a burger when approached by a "citizen" (IA) and asked what the process of making a complaint was. The Officer informed the person of the process, gave them directions to the closest three stations, and wrote out a business card all while his food was getting cold. Two days later he was informed of a formal complaint made against him by IA for not asking if the person immediately wanted to speak with a dept supervisor and for not documenting his contact on his daily log. People always talk about the lack of cops on the street and we use SWORN OFFICERS to sting each other. Ticks me off just thinking about it. Walk into ANY LAPD locker room and you will see loose change all over the floor, everyone pretends it isn't there because no one wants to get busted in a sting for stealing a nickel and I damn sure am not doing a found property report for it, although that would be funny to do a separate report for every coin describing it's exact location. Records clerks would kill me!

[bigcitypolice06]

The W/C might be a little upset too...especially when you turn a greeny for the three hours spent booking the "found property"....

[bigcitypolice06]

What ever became of the officer(s) that impounded the TC vehicle in the Valley and didn't notice the deceased passenger during the inventory search?

Vehicle wasn't impounded...it was a citz request for OPG (police) Tow...so no impound/inventory was done. the missing of the body fell on FD. But everyone loves a fireman so you'd never hear that on the news. The vehicle was also inside of a building with structural damage so FD advised PD not to go into it...

[ateamer]

Not sure about LASD but LAPD for sure has "integrity checks" and will set you up for a beef. I know a motor cop who was on code-7 taking a bite of a burger when approached by a "citizen" (IA) and asked what the process of making a complaint was. The Officer informed the person of the process, gave them directions to the closest three stations, and wrote out a business card all while his food was getting cold. Two days later he was informed of a formal complaint made against him by IA for not asking if the person immediately wanted to speak with a dept supervisor and for not documenting his contact on his daily log. People always talk about the lack of cops on the street and we use SWORN OFFICERS to sting each other. Ticks me off just thinking about it.
Whatever admin weenie came up with that scheme is about as low as a scumbag can get. He ought to be fired, and the worms who carry his schemes out need to be outed to the real cops and shunned. Enforcing policy is one thing; setting up working cops with bogus, shady trickery and ruining their careers over CS things like that is deserving of losing their own careers.

[pulicords]

Vehicle wasn't impounded...it was a citz request for OPG (police) Tow...so no impound/inventory was done. the missing of the body fell on FD. But everyone loves a fireman so you'd never hear that on the news. The vehicle was also inside of a building with structural damage so FD advised PD not to go into it...

I thought the TC was originally investigated as a fatality (the driver)? If so, how can it be a citizen's request for a tow? Also, once the vehicle was removed from the building, why wouldn't the PD or FD check the interior? (Sorry to be so "contrarian", but just missing a gun or dope on an inventory search would **** me off big time! A body.......!)

[bigcitypolice06]

I thought the TC was originally investigated as a fatality (the driver)? If so, how can it be a citizen's request for a tow? Also, once the vehicle was removed from the building, why wouldn't the PD or FD check the interior? (Sorry to be so "contrarian", but just missing a gun or dope on an inventory search would **** me off big time! A body.......!)

Nope not a fatal just a class 2 traffic. The driver said to have his car towed, and also stated that he was alone in the car. It turned out that he suffers from pre-existing mental retardation. The body that they missed was that of a elderly female who was approx 4'5" and had slid down to the floor boards of the vehicle and was under the air bag. The passenger door of the vehicle and pretty much the whole side had severe TC damage. By the time the car was removed from the building the investigating officer had already cleared the scene. However due to this incident and as a cya measure everyone pretty much fills out an impound sheet even on a citz request. The amazing part is no one took days for any of this and the family didn't file a complaint!!!!!!!!

[johnnykane0147]

[QUOTE=DOAcop38;1350020]"funny" you mention the target group hiring!!!- ONCE LA city started hiring MORE Wht male officers, and placing them at LAXPD, Airport PD GOT BETTER training,equipment and PAY...

Thats because hispanic officers can do better with less!!!....just kidding i swear

[Ranger Hoot]

Not sure about LASD but LAPD for sure has "integrity checks" and will set you up for a beef. I know a motor cop who was on code-7 taking a bite of a burger when approached by a "citizen" (IA) and asked what the process of making a complaint was. The Officer informed the person of the process, gave them directions to the closest three stations, and wrote out a business card all while his food was getting cold. Two days later he was informed of a formal complaint made against him by IA for not asking if the person immediately wanted to speak with a dept supervisor and for not documenting his contact on his daily log. People always talk about the lack of cops on the street and we use SWORN OFFICERS to sting each other. Ticks me off just thinking about it. Walk into ANY LAPD locker room and you will see loose change all over the floor, everyone pretends it isn't there because no one wants to get busted in a sting for stealing a nickel and I damn sure am not doing a found property report for it, although that would be funny to do a separate report for every coin describing it's exact location. Records clerks would kill me!

You can't be serious......that just floors me and scares me at the same time.

Something like that just wouldn't happen where I work. If money is found lying around (small amounts) it is policed (pun intended) and put in one of the collections at the desk (fallen officers, sick/injured partners, sick/injured partners family, etc..).

Be the one to start that trend......

[bigcitypolice06]

Not at the expense of getting a beef from IA for stealing found property...

[mtxpro752]

No way dude. They plant money, dope, guns other weapons, ID's, wallets anything you can think of in cars and around stations. They will walk up to you on the street while you are busy at a call and hand you a wallet (while filming and audio taping the whole thing) to see how you handle the person and whether you take the proper steps of booking it. LAPD is a different ball game.

[LA Copper]

No way dude. They plant money, dope, guns other weapons, ID's, wallets anything you can think of in cars and around stations. They will walk up to you on the street while you are busy at a call and hand you a wallet (while filming and audio taping the whole thing) to see how you handle the person and whether you take the proper steps of booking it. LAPD is a different ball game.


You can thank people like Rafael Perez, Nino Durden and David Mack, that's why we're a different ball game. It's not like PSB does that stuff for no apparent reason. It's because we couldn't police ourselves when these idiots were doing their dirty deeds.

If someone had stepped up and said something then, we wouldn't have that pesky thing called a Consent Decree strangling us and those darn Integrity Squad folks watching us. It's our own fault..

[mtxpro752]

I wasn't saying it wasn't the fault of our own officers that brought us to where we are. Just making a point that it IS actually that way for us for those who doubt it.

[LA Copper]

I wasn't saying it wasn't the fault of our own officers that brought us to where we are. Just making a point that it IS actually that way for us for those who doubt it.


I understand what you mean. In that case, I would just like to make sure that others who are reading this don't think that we screw ourselves just for the sake of screwing ourselves. There are unfortunate reasons why our IA folks do what they do.

Of course I do think they get carried away with some of these stings they do and that not all of what they do is warranted. Hopefully there will be a "happy medium" and that they find it soon.

[wnt2b5-0]

Does the LAPD or LASD ask about "undetected" crimes during polygraphs like some other departments?

[Kieth M.]

Here's a difference you may not wish to hear about....getting killed in the line of duty....

LASD - Your funeral expenses are limited to about $5K(could be more, today, but I'm going with Deputy March's funeral), anything over that and your family pays the difference. The LASD Honor Guard are your pallbearers. They will perform the flag-fold over your casket, which IMO is a little this side of awkward. Your service attendees have to put up with the public speaking of Lee Baca.

LAPD - Your funeral expenses are paid by the L.A. Police Memorial Foundation. We were told to try and keep expenses under $15K. Your pallbearers will be whomever your family decides they should be. We used to limit speakers, based upon the family's wishes. Today, the Department tells the family who will be speaking. That's probably really the only thing I disliked about Bratton's running of the department, besides the outsider he brought in to run PSB (who left in disgrace).

[Kieth M.]

Does the LAPD or LASD ask about "undetected" crimes during polygraphs like some other departments?

I've seen you ask this question in another thread....anything you want to share with us?

[Flanker]

Talk about resurrecting a dead thread...

[Five-0fromSoCal]

Here's a difference you may not wish to hear about....getting killed in the line of duty....

LASD - Your funeral expenses are limited to about $5K(could be more, today, but I'm going with Deputy March's funeral), anything over that and your family pays the difference. The LASD Honor Guard are your pallbearers. They will perform the flag-fold over your casket, which IMO is a little this side of awkward. Your service attendees have to put up with the public speaking of Lee Baca.

LAPD - Your funeral expenses are paid by the L.A. Police Memorial Foundation. We were told to try and keep expenses under $15K. Your pallbearers will be whomever your family decides they should be. We used to limit speakers, based upon the family's wishes. Today, the Department tells the family who will be speaking. That's probably really the only thing I disliked about Bratton's running of the department, besides the outsider he brought in to run PSB (who left in disgrace).

The funeral expense has been changed I believe after Deputy Ortiz's murder. I believe the dept picked up the difference. Our pallbearers are who the family wants. Once at the funeral site, it's the LASD honor guard as you said who folds the flag.

[Kieth M.]

I believe the dept picked up the difference. Our pallbearers are who the family wants.

Those are good changes.