The following are the nine steps that you will have to go through during the selection process and some helpful hints on how to best approach each step. A final average score of 70% or higher and successful completion of all steps in the selection process is required to be placed on the eligible list. However, eligibility does not guarantee an offer of employment. The Nine Steps Step 1 Preliminary Background Application (PBA) Step 2 Written Test Step 3 Oral interview Step 4 Physical Abilities Test Step 5 Background investigation Step 6 Polygraph exam Step 7 Medical and Psychological Assessment Step 8 Psychological Interview Step 9 Certification and Appointment Step 1 – The Preliminary Background Application The Preliminary Background Application (PBA) will help you decide if you have a realistic chance of success in some of the common areas of the background investigation portion of the selection process and will identify issues that you should resolve before beginning. The test is available online. You can take it at any time. If, after receiving your PBA results, you believe the time is right to take the written test, print the results and bring them with you to the written test site. If you are unable to take the PBA online, or if you do not bring the printed results from the online PBA to the test site, you will be given a paper copy to fill out at the written test site. If issues are identified in your PBA, you can still take the test. The purpose of the PBA twofold: the feedback will allow you to make a fully informed decision about whether or not to continue, and you will have some advance awareness of some of the issues you need to begin working to resolve or improve. However, the selection process is extremely competitive. You will want your application considered in the best possible light. If you begin the process at a time when you have not yet demonstrated the maturity and judgment appropriate for a Police Officer, you are not likely to be successful in this examination. No one expects a candidate to have a “perfect” record. However, evidence of recent, poor choices in life, cannot be mitigated overnight. Take the time now to begin to resolve the issues identified in your letter. Plain talk about this test part: Be honest. Be thoughtful about your answers. Don’t take this test until you are really ready to present your qualifications in the best possible light. [back to top] Step 2 – The Written Test The Written Test consists of two parts: a multiple choice section to measure reading comprehension and English usage, and an essay to determine written communication skills. Tests are scored pass/fail and you must pass both parts to advance to the next step. The written test is offered several times each week, and testing is conducted on a walk-in (first come, first served) basis, with no appointment required. Bring identification with your signature and photo. If you do not pass the multiple choice test, your essay will not be scored. Test Scores For those who pass the multiple choice and/or essay portions of the written test, your scores will remain valid as long as the City continues to use this current test format. All phases of the Police Officer examination are continually under review and enhancements can be implemented at any time. Watch the “New Info” section of this website for updates on new test procedures. If you are not successful on your first try, you can come back and try again after six months. Use that time to brush up on your skills. You might want to consider enrolling in you take the Police Officer written test. Classes in English grammar, literature, and composition may be helpful to you. About the Questions The Multiple Choice test is designed to measure your reading comprehension and English usage skills, not your knowledge of police work. Do not expect to see that every question will pertain directly to law enforcement topics. If you do not pass the multiple choice portion of the test, you will not be allowed to complete the essay portion of the examination. The Essay questions are designed so that every candidate will be able to answer them. No prior knowledge of law enforcement procedures is necessary. Note: Your results in the Police Officer Multiple Choice test will be applied in other City examinations for Peace Officer positions (Airport Police Officer, Port Police Officer, and General Services Special Officer), if you choose to file for those examinations. Plain talk about this test part: Read the essay question and make sure that you answer the questions that are asked. Reread your answer and look for careless errors. You will be taking this test with paper and pencil. You won’t be able to rely on spell-check. It’s not enough that you know how to write or have created excellent written papers in the past – you have to demonstrate your skill on the day of the test. Tips for test day Bring photo identification with your signature on it. Be well rested so you can do your best. Be on time or early. Remember - many of the test locations have limited seating. Dress in casual, comfortable clothing. Bring your PBA with you to the test site. When you write your essay, consider a thoughtful answer to the question before you begin writing. Read the question carefully and answer the question as it is asked. Save time to review your essay and correct any careless grammatical or spelling errors you can find. It’s not enough to know proper grammar and how to spell – you have to demonstrate your knowledge on test day. Don’t be overconfident – check your work. [back to top] Step 3 – The Oral Interview The Oral Interview is a behavior-based review of personal history, providing an evaluation of problem-solving abilities, personal accomplishments, respect for diversity, community service orientation, role adaptability, and motivation. In the course of the interview, your ability to effectively communicate will also be evaluated. Factors Judged During Interview Job motivation Police Officer is not just a 9-to-5 job. A career as a Police Officer requires a lifetime commitment. Be sure to have an accurate understanding of what a career as a Police Officer will be like, what can be accomplished during a career as a Police Officer, and what you expect to derive from it. Plan to talk about how your education, prior employment, or other life experiences have given you this understanding and have prepared you for the duties and responsibilities of a Police Officer. Personal accomplishment Police Officers must always be success-oriented. Think about how you have demonstrated personal effectiveness through achievement and success in work, education, or other areas, how you have set and achieved personal goals, and the achievements in your life about which you are most proud. Role adaptability Police Officers must be able to work alone, responsible only for their own actions; with a partner, where responsibility is shared; as a member of a team, capable of following the orders of others and working cooperatively with other team members; or as a leader, taking control of a situation and directing or helping others. Officers must be able to assume these different responsibilities at appropriate times and as circumstances change, often during a single work shift or even during a single event. Plan to talk about your past behavior and how it has prepared you to adapt to this behavioral flexibility. Community service orientation Police Officers do more than just catch the bad guys. They are the City's most visible face in the community and they are on the front lines of efforts to improve or maintain a community's quality of life. Think about your past behavior and how it has demonstrated your commitment to community service. Respect for diversity Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Police Officers must deal effectively with all people, treating each with courtesy, dignity, and fairness. To do this, you must have a profound appreciation for human diversity itself. Try to recall your interactions with people of various backgrounds, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs in various situations and the effectiveness of those interactions. Problem solving This has long been part of what a Police Officer does on a daily basis. Police Officers are expected to recognize small problems and solve them before they become big problems. They must note trends and develop preventive solutions to potential long-term problems. Think about problems you have confronted in the past and how you approached them. Why did you do what you did? Would you do it again? What to think about before your interview There is no right or wrong answers to the questions. You will be asked to elicit the information needed to evaluate your qualifications for each of the factors discussed above. Each candidate's response will be unique to that candidate, based on his or her life experiences. Prior to your interview you may want to spend some time reviewing the many events and incidents that make up your personal history and that have helped make you who you are today. Which of these many experiences have prepared you for the position of Police Officer and the factors on which you will be rated? If something comes up and you can not make your interview, it is very important that you call to cancel your scheduled appointment. Call (213) 847-9060 to be rescheduled. Interview Panel The Interview Panel will be composed of two or three members – a Sergeant or Detective from the Los Angeles Police Department, an experienced interviewer representing the City’s Personnel Department, and (when available) a representative from the community. Your interview is important – your score in the examination is based on the answers you give in the interview. The interviewers will ask questions about your past behavior in various circumstances. These questions are designed to allow you to demonstrate the judgment, maturity and readiness to become a Police Officer. The interviews follow a simple question and answer format. Your ability to answer quickly and accurately is important, but don't rush it. If your answers become confused or contradictory, you will not do well. The best way to avoid contradictory answers is simply to tell the truth. A frank and thoughtful answer, even if it seems unfavorable to you, is better than exaggeration, which may confuse you in a follow-up question. Be prepared to explain what you have learned from your experiences, good and bad. Avoid "yes" or "no" answers whenever possible. Expand on your answers. Volunteering information is often helpful in showing how you qualify for the position. It is also important to know when to stop answering a question. You should avoid repeating yourself, rambling, giving information that is unrelated to the question, or talking too much on any one point. There is much to cover in a short time and it is impossible to hear about all aspects of your life. Do not be concerned if an interviewer asks to move on to a new topic. This is necessary to make sure that all of the important aspects of the job are covered. If you do not understand a question, ask the interviewers to repeat or rephrase the question. It is important to get your good points across to the interviewers. If you are describing your best qualities, give concrete examples and explain how these qualities have helped you and your former employers. This is where your preparation will pay off. Interviewers may ask several follow-up questions as they delve into your qualifications. If you invent or embellish experiences, in all likelihood, your attempts to inflate your qualifications will become obvious to these experienced interviewers. You have a lifetime of experiences to draw from without making things up. Prepare ahead, and be ready to demonstrate how your experiences have prepared you for the duties and responsibilities of a Police Officer. Your Interview Score The passing score for the interview portion is 70% or higher, and your score is valid for 18 months. If you do not pass, you may take the interview once every 12 months. Call (213) 847-9060 after one year to be rescheduled. Your score determines your rank on the eligible list and what happens next. The City can only consider candidates in order of their score on the list. The highest scoring candidates will be scheduled for additional testing. The lowest scoring candidates will not be considered further. If your score is in the middle, you may be scheduled for some further testing, but there is no guarantee that you will ultimately be successful. The number of candidates needed (and what score is high enough to be called for further processing) depends on two major factors -- the number of appointments expected and the number of applicants. These numbers can change dramatically over time, with new applicants testing every week, making it impossible to exactly predict what will happen to you. Continuing assessment of these external factors is done to determine what scores will be needed to fill expected Academy classes. If you have one of the very highest scores, you can expect to be scheduled to take the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) and to complete the Preliminary Investigative Questionnaire (PIQ). If you have one of the lowest passing scores, you will not hear further from the City, but you may recompete (see below) to try to improve your score. If you are in the middle ranges, you will be notified by mail if further processing is available to candidates with your score. It is your responsibility to make sure your contact information is up to date. Call (213) 847-9060 to be change your address or other contact information. Plain talk about this test part: Prepare before your interview. Think about the accomplishments in your life that best display your readiness and maturity for Police Officer. Tips for interview day Arrive at least 15 minutes early and allow an hour for the interview and necessary processing. Bring your completed application with you and be sure that all information is complete and accurate. Remember that the information on your application may be checked later in the process. Bring photo identification with you. Think in advance about the impression you will make during the interview. Present a neat, businesslike appearance. Be courteous, alert, and self-confident. Smile, look the interviewers in the eye, and be prepared for the questions. [back to top] Step 4 - The Physical Abilities Test The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) measures strength, agility, and endurance. It is a pass/fail test and is normally offered once or twice monthly. Passing the PAT only indicates the minimum physical ability required to undertake academy training. Once in the academy, you will be required to perform at very high physical levels. Just because you pass the PAT does not mean that you have the strength or conditioning needed to meet the continuing physical requirements of the academy. If you are not successful on your first attempt, you can work on your strength and conditioning and retake the PAT whenever you are ready. If you pass the PAT, your scores will remain valid for a maximum of one year or for as long as the City continues to use this current test format. All phases of the Police Officer examination are continually under review and enhancements can be implemented at any time. Watch the “New Info” section of this website for updates on new test procedures. Physical Conditioning Before the Test Among the most challenging aspects for candidates and recruits are the physical requirements of both the Police Officer examination and the Police Academy. If you find the PAT to be difficult or if you just barely pass the PAT, you can expect to experience significant difficulty with the physical requirements of the academy and should invest maximum effort in continuing to build your physical capabilities. Physical conditioning is emphasized because of the nature of both the academy training program and the job. Police work involves physical activities. Prepare for the PAT with the Four-Month Pre-Academy Fitness Program The ACADEMY PHYSICAL TRAINING PROGRAM [link] is intense and demanding, and the first physical fitness test occurs during the first week of the Academy. There forfeit is critical that candidates don't wait until they are in the Academy to get into good physical shape. It is recommended to begin a physical conditioning program as soon as you apply. The Four-Month Pre-Academy Fitness Program was designed to help candidates who want to work out on their own to develop strength and fitness levels that will help them pass PAT and succeed in the Academy. Suggested Exercises link to new page The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) Breakdown The PAT consists of physical challenges designed to measure your strength, agility (coordination), and endurance. It is a pass/fail qualifying test and you may take the test as often as necessary to pass. The PAT consists of three events administered in the following order: Side Step - This test measures coordination. You begin by straddling a centerline on the floor. When instructed to begin, you will sidestep or slide to an outer line four feet to your right, then sidestep or slide back across the centerline to an outer line four feet to the left of the centerline, and then back to the right, and so on. You will have 10 seconds to touch or cross the outer lines as many times as you can. You will perform the test twice and your final score will be the average of the two trials. Cable Pull - This test measures upper body strength. You will stand straight with the handles of the test instrument held chest high and your forearms parallel to the ground. You will have three seconds to pull outward in a horizontal motion as hard as you can. The cable pull will determine how many pounds of force you are able to generate. You will perform the test three times and your final score will be the average of the three trials. Stationary Bicycle - This test measures muscular endurance. You will have two minutes to pedal as fast as you can against a pre-set resistance. You will perform the test once and your final score will be the number of revolutions you can do in the two minutes. Plain talk about this test part: Passing this test is only the first step toward achieving the physical conditioning that is necessary for success in the Police Academy. For everyone, but especially if you needed multiple tries to pass or struggled to pass this test, begin a physical preparation program immediately. Consider either the self-directed physical conditioning or the CAP program described below. [back to top] Step 5 – Background Investigation Prior to the Background Interview you will be required to complete a Personal History Form, which requires the compilation of extensive biographical information. On the day of the Background Interview you must complete a comprehensive questionnaire. A background investigator will review the Personal History Form and questionnaire and interview you about any issues noted. You will also be fingerprinted. If, based on the information obtained, it appears that you may meet the City's background standards, a thorough field investigation will be conducted. The field investigation includes checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. The investigation may take from 60 to 180 days to complete. You will be evaluated on your past behavior and the extent to which your behavior demonstrates positive traits that support your candidacy for Police Officer. The findings of the background investigation are valid for 12 months. 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. Quick Tips You must have had at least 6 hours of sleep the night before your exam. Eight is better! Eat breakfast. Hunger and thirst can distract you. Do not wear a suit and tie. Dress comfortably. (Business casual) For evening appointments, please report to guard. For daytime appointments, please park in lot on Los Angeles and 2nd street Do not take polygraph test if you are ill. Background Standards The Background Standards for public safety positions in the City of Los Angeles reflect the very high standards demanded of candidates for public safety job classifications and safety sensitive positions within City service. They are designed to identify the kinds of behaviors which are required of Public Safety Officers serving the citizens of the City of Los Angeles. Each candidate’s past choices, judgments, and behaviors will be compared to these demanding standards. Candidates who fall short of demonstrating consistently sound decision making, maturity, and responsible past behaviors in each of these areas will not be further considered for employment in these critical positions. Each Standard represents an area that is essential for success in public safety employment. Positions such as Police Officer, Police Specialist, Port Police Officer, Special Officer, and Firefighter, along with other public safety positions designated by the General Manager, are positions of special public trust for which these exacting standards have been designed. The City identifies and selects only those individuals with the highest chance of success in their training and in continuing employment in these critical positions. Candidates are asked to critically assess their own background in light of these Standards before beginning the examination process. THE STANDARDS INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, SENSITIVITY, AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS Public Safety Officers must be able to draw on extraordinary levels of tact and diplomacy to achieve their goals while dealing with the diverse population of the City of Los Angeles. They must be able to use advice, appropriate warnings and persuasion to engender cooperation from the public. Additionally, they must be able to work effectively either as an individual or as a member of a larger team. Each candidate shall demonstrate an understanding of the skills necessary to deal effectively with others in a cooperative and courteous manner. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to: Understanding the impact of words and behavior on others, and modifying one’s own behavior, comments, or course of action accordingly Concern for the feelings and perspectives of others Demonstration of impartiality in dealing with issues of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religion, and cultural diversity Use of tact and diplomacy to achieve goals, resolve disputes, and to diffuse or deescalate conflict Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, making appropriate contributions and recognizing the achievements of others Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence Incidents of domestic violence; use of verbal or physical abuse or violence toward others indicating a lack of self-control; inability to get along with others in work or personal life; failure to listen effectively; use of derogatory stereotypes in jokes or daily language; making rude and/or condescending remarks to or about others; use of physical force to resolve disputes; demonstrated overreaction to criticism; inability to work effectively as a “team player”; disruptive/challenging to authority; use of harassment, threats, or intimidation to gain an advantage. DECISION MAKING AND JUDGEMENT Public Safety Officers must possess extraordinarily good sense and must demonstrate through their past behavior that they can analyze a situation quickly, make sound and responsible decisions, and take appropriate action. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to the ability to: Critically analyze options and determine an appropriate course of action in a given situation Act assertively and without hesitation, but without overreacting Make quick, responsible decisions under pressure Persuade others to own point of view or to desired course of action Know when to make an exception; exercise appropriate discretion Prioritize competing demands Simultaneously and appropriately address multiple tasks Make appropriate choices without constant supervision or detailed instructions Creatively develop innovative solutions to problems Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence Making poor choices given known circumstances; indecision when options are not clear-cut; failure to take action when appropriate or demonstrating insecurity about making a decision ; behavior indicating poor judgment or failure to consider appropriate options; failure to learn from past mistakes; inability or unwillingness to modify a position; rigid adherence to rules without consideration of alternative information; failure to see or consider all options; succumbing to peer pressure. MATURITY AND DISCIPLINE Public Safety Officers must present a background which demonstrates maturity and readiness for such employment. Their past choices must be free from behavior inappropriate to the position being sought. A significant degree of personal discipline must be displayed to ensure that candidates can consistently refrain from taking actions which may be detrimental to their own health and well-being or the health and well-being of others. They must be able to maintain their composure and stay in control during critical situations, maintain a positive attitude, and accept constructive criticism without becoming defensive. Desired behaviors may include, but are not limited to the ability to: Refraining from engaging in conduct which, by its very nature, would reflect poorly on the City and limit a Public Safety Officer’s ability to do his or her job effectively Adhering to legal and societal constraints and requirements of conduct Considering the consequences prior to taking an action Accepting responsibility for past actions and mistakes Taking proper precautions and avoid unnecessarily risky behavior Using constructive criticism to improve performance Working well in unstructured situations with minimal supervision Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence Use of illegal drugs; abuse of alcohol or prescription medications; failure to follow all laws and common rules of conduct; associating with individuals who break the law; being argumentative, defensive, or blaming others (or circumstances) for mistakes made; past behavior which indicates a tendency to resort to use of force to gain objectives; overbearing in approach to resolving problems; unnecessarily confrontational taking unnecessary personal risks; placing others at risk through one’s own actions; reacting childishly or with anger to criticism or disappointment. HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND PERSONAL ETHICS Public Safety Officers are required to demonstrate the highest possible personal integrity through their honesty and ethical conduct. They must be able to maintain high standards of personal conduct, abide by the law, and demonstrate attributes such as truthfulness and fairness in relationships with others. Each candidate must demonstrate a willingness to work within “the system”. Examples of behaviors which meet this standard include, but are not limited to: Being truthful in dealings with others Fully cooperating and being completely forthcoming during the pre-employment selection process Admitting and understanding past mistakes Refraining from using employment or a position of authority for personal gain Refraining from “bending” rules or otherwise trying to “beat the system” Accepting responsibility for one’s own actions Examples of Potentially Disqualifying Evidence Makes false and/or misleading statements or intentionally omits relevant information; purposefully withholds information; minimizes past mistakes or errors; blames others/makes excuses for mistakes; attempts to induce others to give false information; “bends” the rules or uses a position of authority for personal gain; refuses to accept responsibility for improper actions; condones the unethical behavior of others through silence; engages in illegal or immoral activities of such a nature that would be offensive to contemporary community standards of propriety; theft; fraud. SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS Public Safety Officers are required to demonstrate the ability to set and achieve personal and professional goals. Candidates for public safety positions can best position themselves for positive consideration through continuing achievement in the workplace, educational environment, volunteer activities and/or community involvement. Each candidate must demonstrate initiative and the ability to follow through on all commitments without constant supervision and detailed instruction. Candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to set and achieve goals, their ability to work in a diligent, reliable, and conscientious manner in accordance with specific rules and policies, and their readiness for, and commitment to, public service through the following: Advancement in the workplace through promotion or increased responsibilities Completing work as required and on schedule Meeting high standards for punctuality and attendance Meeting family obligations Educational achievement Involvement in volunteer or community improvement activities Easily meeting unpredictable or unexpected challenges Examples of potentially disqualifying evidence Failure to meet commitments to work, school, family, volunteer or community activities. RECORD CHECKS Candidates for public safety positions are held to exacting standards of behavior throughout all aspects of their lives. Candidates can expect specific inquiry to be made into their past behavior regarding: The exercise of fiscal responsibility and acceptance of responsibility for financial obligations Employing safe driving practices Maintaining stable employment Obeying laws, rules, regulations, and orders Military accomplishments Examples of potentially disqualifying evidence Past due accounts, discharged debts, late payments, collection accounts, civil judgments and/or bankruptcy; failure to exercise fiscal responsibility commensurate with income; failure to follow all traffic laws; numerous moving and non-moving violations; at fault traffic accidents; terminations or suspensions from work; reprimands or counseling for poor work performance (including Military service); failure to meet obligations (for example, auto insurance, auto registration, selective service registration, IRS requirements, child support obligations, etc.); law enforcement contacts, arrests, and convictions (as appropriate); other than Honorable discharge from the military. It is in every candidate’s best interest to be completely forthcoming and truthful during the background investigation process. Many candidates are disqualified during the background portion of the selection process as a result of dishonesty. These candidates purposely omit information they think will result in their removal from the selection process, when that may not have been the case. When this information is later discovered during the background investigation, the candidate is disqualified, but not necessarily for the behavior he or she failed to disclose. Rather, the candidate is disqualified for what the failure to provide complete, accurate, and honest information reveals about his or her character. [back to top] Step 6 – The Polygraph Examination The Polygraph Examination is conducted to confirm information obtained during the background interview. Plain talk about this test part: For some, this is the most frightening part of the examination. Relax, be yourself, and tell the truth. [back to top] Step 7– MEDICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT The medical examination and written psychological tests may be administered on the same day and require approximately five to six hours to complete. Candidates must be in excellent physical, emotional, and mental health with no conditions that restrict the ability to safely perform the essential functions of the police officer job. Good physical condition is necessary as training in the Academy is rigorous. Failure to be in excellent physical condition may delay or disrupt training and result in a dismissal from the Academy. Medical Evaluation A City physician performs a thorough medical evaluation. It is essential for candidates to be in excellent health, with no medical conditions that restrict the ability to safely perform the essential functions of the police officer job. A cardiac stress test or a treadmill may be performed as part of the medical evaluation. Body Fat Each candidate will have their percent of body fat determined during the medical evaluation process. A candidate must not exceed the current body fat percentage standard. The current standard is: Female 30% and Male 22%. Vision Vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye with the following exceptions. If glasses are worn, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye while wearing the glasses and uncorrected distance vision must not exceed 20/70 in either eye and the better eye must be at least 20/40. If soft contact lenses are worn, they must have been worn for at least three months and vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye tested with the contacts in. If a LASIK procedure (refractive surgery) was performed, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye. In addition, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors, and must be free from other visual impairments that would restrict the ability to perform law enforcement duties. Hearing Candidates must be able to understand speech in noisy areas, understand whispered speech, and localize sounds. Specialized testing methods are used to determine hearing capability. Although hearing aid use is not automatically disqualifying, additional specialized tests will be administered to determine if the use of hearing aids will be permitted. Psychological Evaluation Written psychological testing consists of personality tests and a life history questionnaire. The results are evaluated by a City psychologist, along with information obtained in the background investigation process, in preparation for an oral psychological interview. The psychological interview consists of an interview and evaluation by a City psychologist on factors related to successful performance in the difficult and stressful job of Police Officer. Disqualifying Psychological Factors Candidates with a history or prior diagnosis of a psychological or psychiatric condition, including learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder, or who have been treated with psychotropic medication or therapy, will be asked to provide relevant medical records before a final psychological determination can be made. Certain conditions that have been suspected or diagnosed such as most learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity, may require additional testing and review of relevant medical records. In many cases these conditions/diagnoses result in a disqualification due to a lack of adequate treatment and persisting symptoms. Other conditions such as bipolar disorder, recurring major depression, with or without psychotic features or suicidal ideation, recurring anxiety disorders, with or without panic attacks, obsessive/compulsive disorder, and most diagnoses leading to a psychiatric hospitalization are highly disqualifying. Although the candidate will be asked to provide relevant medical records documenting the conditions and treatment received, these conditions often provide a basis for disqualification for a police officer position. [back to top] Step 8 - Psychological Interview If you meet the medical requirements and background standards you will be scheduled for an oral psychological interview. You are evaluated by a City psychologist on factors related to successful performance in the difficult and stressful job of Police Officer. The evaluation includes the Written Psychological Tests, Background Investigation findings and the Psychological Interview. The results are valid for 12 months. Plain talk about this test part: If you know you had prior treatment or a major injury, go to your doctor in advance and bring your records with you to the examination [back to top] Step 9 - Certification and Appointment Upon passing all test parts, candidates are certified based on their oral interview score and LAPD hiring needs. Appointment depends on the next available class date and selection by LAPD management. [back to top] A Few More Things You Should Know About Suggested Exercises Candidate Assistance Program Certification and Appointment Pre-Employment Substance Screening Expedited Testing CERTIFICATION AND APPOINTMENT - BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Certification and Appointment are the final steps in the selection process. To be considered, you must have successfully completed all steps in the process. Certification of a candidate's name to the Police Department does not guarantee appointment to the Police Academy. More names are provided to the Police Department than there are vacancies so that the Department can select those best qualified for appointment based on results of the interview and test process. Appointments to the Police Academy are made by the Police Department from the civil service eligibility list. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SUBSTANCE SCREENING - BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION In accordance with City Policies, a pre-employment substance screening for drugs and alcohol may be required prior to appointment because this classification has been designated as Safety Sensitive. EXPEDITED TESTING You may be eligible for the expedited Police Officer testing process. Various test parts, including the oral interview, background interview review, polygraph examination, physical abilities test, written psychological test, and medical evaluation may be taken in three consecutive days. Call 213-847-9060 or log on to www.lacity.org/per/safety.htm for more information. All candidates are encouraged to complete the on-line, interactive Preliminary Background Application (PBA) prior to taking the written test. Go to www.lacity.org/per/safety.htm and click on Preliminary Background Questionnaire. The on-line PBQ will identify issues that you should resolve before beginning the selection process and tell you if you have a realistic chance of success in some of the common areas of the background investigation portion of the selection process. Those candidates who wish to take the written test after receiving their PBQ results should bring the printed results to the test site. [back to top]