To be selected as a Peace Officer in California is an accomplishment to be proud of. As such, Los Angeles School Police Officer Candidates undergo an extensive selection process before they are hired.

The following is an outline of the Los Angeles School Police Department hiring process, but not necessarily in this order - each candidates appointments will differ based on the candidates residence and scheduling availability.

Minimum Requirements

• AGE - at least 20-1/2 years old on the date of the Written Exam
• EDUCATION - U.S. high school diploma, G.E.D. or California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate
• CITIZENSHIP - proof of United States citizenship, or if a permanent resident alien, proof an application for citizenship was accepted by I.N.S. prior to the date of the Written Exam.
• DRIVERS LICENSE - possess a valid California drivers license
• HEALTH & BACKGROUND - excellent physical and mental health and able to pass the Physical Assessment Test (PAT), Medical Exam, Psychological Exam, and a thorough Background Investigation (for specifics see each topic below)

Application

Personnel processes approximately 100 applications per week, as such expect at least a 4 week processing period for your application. If you have not received a response after 5 weeks, contact Personnel at (213)353-4240. If your application is approved, notification will be mailed to you regarding where and when to appear for the written exam.

Be sure to fill out the application completely; incomplete applications may result in disqualification. Include all relevant experience on the application, not just experience within the last 5 years as stated on the application. You may attach additional pieces of paper to your application if necessary.

Be sure to fill out the application accurately; information provided on the application will be verified during the background investigation. Make sure the application is a good representation of yourself - this application will be reviewed many times during the hiring process and poor penmanship, excessive use of correction fluid, or misspelled words will be taken into account.

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Written Exam

The written exam consists of multiple choice questions and carries a pass/fail score.

The exam is not designed to be difficult, and many applicants that fail this portion of the hiring process do so simply because they did not allot enough time to complete the exam. If you reach a question that you are unsure about, make note of that question and move on to the next one. Once you have completed the questions you could answer, return to the questions you had trouble with.

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Oral Interview

The oral interview is outlined in detail here.

Background Interview

The same day a candidate successfully completes the Physical Assessment Test, he/she will be introduced to a background investigator. The background investigator will assist the candidate with completing background questionnaires and waivers and cover the remaining steps of the hiring process.

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Physical Assessment Test

The Physical Assessment Test (PAT) is outlined in detail here.

Polygraph Exam

The "lie detector" or polygraph exam accesses a candidates trustworthiness. The candidate is ultimately required to be honest, and is informed prior to the exam not to attempt to deceive the polygraph examiner. The position of Police Officer requires honesty and integrity.

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Background Investigation

The Los Angeles School Police Department uses very rigid and comprehensive guidelines for conducting background investigations (refer to the job bulletin). If you do not meet these standards, your name will be removed from the eligibility list.

Candidates are given an extensive personal history questionnaire at the Physical Assessment Test. It must be completed and returned to the Police Department, including the following original documents or notarized copies of same:

• verification of U.S. citizenship
• all educational certificates or transcripts
• credit report
• California Drivers License
• birth certificate
• military DD214 (if applicable)
• proof of dissolution of marriage (if applicable)

The Police Department will investigate:

• personal and family history
• past and present residences
• financial history
• employment history
• education
• military service (if applicable)
• criminal records or any law enforcement contact (if applicable)
• DMV record

At the same time your background investigation is being conducted, you will be required to undergo a comprehensive medical examination, psychiatric evaluation and polygraph (lie detector) test. The contents of your background investigation are confidential Police Department records and will not be released to you for review. If you are disqualified during the background investigation, you will receive a written notice indicating that your name has been removed from the eligibility list.

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Medical & Psychological Evaluation

A medical physician will determine if you have a pre-existing medical condition, or any condition which would prohibit you from performing any task required for the position. The medical exam is outlined in detail here.

A psychologist will determine if you are free from any emotional or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of police officer powers. A clinical interview is required if the test results are inconclusive or suggest that you should be disqualified.

Upon successful completion of all steps herein, candidate names will be submitted to the Chief of Police for final approval.

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