Get Started

Until further notice due to COVID-19 protocols, orientations are being held via electronic media. Please submit the information request form above to be invited to our next event.

STEP 1: To start the process of becoming a reserve police officer, you must receive orientation from the Reserve Unit or attend a seminar.

For more information call (213) 486-6000 or email LAPDreserves@lapd.online

STEP 2: All applicants must complete the Online Application. You must complete BOTH sections, which will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. You MUST submit the Online Application and print a copy to bring with you to the written test.

Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE)
The Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE) consists of essay questions related to judgment and decision making and behavioral flexibility. Your written communication skills will also be evaluated. The passing score for the PQE portion is 70% or higher. If you fail, you may retake the PQE after three months.

For a list of test locations, dates and times, go to JoinLAPD.com, click “testing calendar”

NOTE: You MUST present a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card when appearing for the test. Any candidate who does not have a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card WILL NOT be allowed to take the test.

STEP 3: Completion and submittal of a Personal History Statement (PHS) is the first step of the Background Investigation. The PHS requires compilation of extensive biographical information, fingerprinting, and an interview with a background investigator. The investigation will also include checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. If, based on the information obtained, it appears that you may meet the City’s background standards, a thorough field investigation will be conducted.

Get started by downloading the Release & Waiver and then click here to submit the online PHS.

Plain talk about this test part: Honesty is the best policy. Everyone has done things they’re not proud of, but the worst possible action is to try to cover it up. Please take time to carefully evaluate your background and experiences before you get started. View the Background Standards to see what types of things might negatively impact your progress.

STEP 4: The Polygraph Examination is conducted to confirm information obtained during the selection process.

The Department interview will be conducted by a panel to assess your personal accomplishments, job motivation, instrumentality, interpersonal skills, continuous learning orientation, and oral communication skills. Only those candidates who pass the interview will be scheduled for further testing. If you fail, you must wait 3 months to retake the interview.

STEP 5: The Medical Evaluation is thorough and it is essential that you be excellent health with no conditions, which would restrict your ability to safely do police work. Written psychological tests and the second portion  PAT(treadmill test) will also be administered at this time. The information evaluated includes the written psychological tests as well as the background findings. 

STEP 6: The Background Investigation begins with completion of a Personal History Statement, which requires compilation of extensive biographical information, fingerprinting, and an interview with a background investigator. The Investigation will also include checks of employment, police, financial, education, and a military records and interviews with family, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers and friends. The polygraph information is conducted to confirm information obtained during the selection process.

STEP 7: 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.

STEP 8: This is a highly competitive process. Candidates must demonstrate their positive attributes at each step of the selection process. You must pass all test parts (including a pre-employment substance screening) in order to be hired and appointed to the next available academy class.