To join the los angeles police force, download the formal job listing as posted by the City of Los Angeles. In general, you will need to be prepared, do some studying and be honest and forthcoming. For in-depth detail on each step in the process and how to prepare for it, visit Prepare for the Tests and find the Police Department recruitment downloads section. There are nine police officer description steps to the application process: Step 1 - Preliminary Background Application (PBA) The PBA is an online application that will identify any issues that you should resolve before beginning the selection process and will tell you if you have a realistic chance of success in the background investigation. You are encouraged to complete the interactive PBA before you take the written test. Step 2 - Written Test There are two parts to the written test: 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 in order to pass the police recruitment test and advance to the next step. Step 3 - Oral Interview You will be interviewed by a panel composed of two or three members – a Sergeant or Detective from the Los Angeles Police Department, an interview specialist from the City’s Personnel Department, and (when available) a representative from the community. An Oral Interview Seminar and Class is offered by the LAPD to help candidates prepare for hte interview process. Step 4 - Physical Abilities Test (PAT) The PAT measures strength, agility, and endurance. It is a pass/fail test. Many applicants train for this test either by participating in the free Candidate Assistance Program, offered by the LAPD or by training on their own. The physical fitness program at the Academy is intensely rigorous, and passing the Physical Abilities Test does not guarantee that you will be fit enough to pass the Academy Program. This is why most dedicated applicants will continue to train after the PAT, in preparation for the Academy. Step 5 - Background Interview You will be required to complete a Personal History Form, a comprehensive questionnaire, and you will be fingerprinted. If you meet the City's standards, a thorough background investigation will be conducted. Step 6 - Polygraph Examination If you pass the background interview, you will be asked to take a polygraph to confirm the information you have given. Step 7 - Medical Examination and Written Psychological Test These will be conducted on the same day. The medical exam, will be conducted by a City physician. The Written Psychological Test consists of personality and life history questionnaires and is reviewed by staff psychologists in preparation for the oral psychological evaluation. Step 8 - Psychological Interview If you meet the medical requirements and background standards you will be scheduled for an oral psychological interview. Step 9 - Certification and Appointment Upon passing all test parts, candidates are certified based on their oral interview score and LAPD hiring needs. You are not automtically hired. You will be ranked according to your scores and your appointment will depend on the next available class date and selection by LAPD management. Want more information on the LAPD hiring process? Contact an LAPD recruiter: 866-444-LAPD (866-444-5273) or email Join LAPD atjoinlapd@lapd.lacity.org