Policebackground.net

The Process
Step 1
Preliminary Background Application and Job Preview Questionnaire (PBA)
	The selection process is started by completing an on-line Preliminary Background Application (PBA) and Job Preview Questionnaire (JPQ). The Personal Qualifications Essay is administered at the written test sites. Written test sessions are offered five times each week, at five different locations throughout the City, as well as at frequent special testing events throughout the year. You do not need to call in advance to schedule testing. Just show up! No application is required, but you must bring your PBA and JPQ results with you to the test. If you have any questions regarding LAPD police officer recruiting, or taking the test, you can call or e-mail an LAPD recruitment at 866-444-LAPD (866-444-5273) or joinlapd@lapd.lacity.org
Helpful Hint:	Be Honest and answer all questions to the best of your knowledge. Be specific which Department(s) you will be applying for.


Step 2
Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE)
	The Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE) consists of essay questions related to judgement and decision making and behavioral flexibility. Your written communication skill will also be evaluated. The passing score that you receive will determine your placement on the eligible list. If you fail, you may retake the PQE after three months.
Helpful Hint:	Make sure you had something to eat before you proceed into the building and follow all instructions. Take your time, but do not hesitate to make sure you write and spell correctly. Personnel will be looking at all of this to determine whether you will pass or not. Try to be as swift and comprehensive as possible when writing your essays.
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Step 3
Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
	The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) consists of two portions. The first portion is designed to measure strength, agility, and endurance. The second portion measures aerobic capacity and it will be administered usually at the time of the medical evaluation. 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.
Helpful Hint:	This is pass or fail. Make sure you are physically able to run/jump and pull during these tests. If you think you are not in shape to take this test, you should postpone your scheduled date until you feel you are able to do so. DO NOT WORK OUT before you go in. You should eat lightly, stretch, and be well rested. Keep in mind these are only the MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS for you to proceed in the process, so even if you pass, you should continue to exercise and workout. It is recommended you take the CAPS program after you pass these test.


Step 4
Background Investigation
	The Background Investigation begins with completion of a Personal History Form (which requires compilation of extensive biographical information), completion of additional questionnaires, fingerprinting, and an interview with a background investigator. If you meet the City’s standards, a thorough background investigation will be conducted. It will include checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends.
Helpful Hint:	The Background Investigation will most likely take place after your first background interview or polygraph examination. The background may take 1- 3 months to complete and another 2-3 months for the review process. You may grow anxious, but you must remain patient and stay focused on getting hired. This is probably the most intrusive part of your whole hiring process. Do not alter your lifestyle or be in a state of paranoia. You have nothing to be worried about. Be HONEST, candid, responsive, and cooperative with your background investigator (BI) during this time.


Step 5
Polygraph
	The Polygraph examination is conducted to confirm information obtained during your background interview.
Helpful Hint:	Make sure you eat something before the test. You need to come in with something in your stomach so your stomach noises/movements won't interfere with the test. DO NOT GET NERVOUS! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE!!!! Pay attention to the polygrapher's instructions. Make sure you do not have any breathing complications or are sick/coughing/wheezing/sneezing, etc. The polygraph machine is very sensitive. This can be a very intense situation. Answer all questions accordingly no matter how vulgar or ridiculous they may sound and respond honestly. Best of luck!


Step 6
Department Interview
	The Department Interview will be conducted by a panel to assess your personal accomplishment, job motivation, continuous learning orientation, instrumentality, interpersonal skills, and oral communication skills. Only those candidates who are selected during this part of the process will move forward in the selection process
Helpful Hint:	Dress to Impress. If you have a military uniform and are authorized to wear one, do so. Otherwise, wear a suit. Make sure you are clean cut and clean shaven with a fresh haircut. Do not wear cologne or perfume as someone on the panel might be allergic or may be distracted by the scent. Hopefully you have rehearsed how your demeanor and how your words will be presented once you sit there answering questions from four persons. Do not appear nervous/lazy/angry/moody/or even extremely relaxed. Be confident in yourself, be extremely polite, answer with "sir" and/or "ma'am", give a firm confident handshake, and smile while you shake their hand. Appear to be optimistic while you are there. Make sure you keep eye contact with the person speaking to you. Respond as clearly and swiftly as possible. If a question does not apply to you or do not know the answer, make sure you find a positive and quick explanation. Try not to stutter while speaking in the event you are video or audio recorded. For more information on this step visit the Policebackground.net forums


Step 7
Medical Evaluation and Psychological Evaluation
	The Medical Evaluation is thorough and it is essential that you be in excellent health with no conditions, which would restrict your ability to safely do police work. Written psychological tests and the second portion of the PAT will also be administered at this time. The medical evaluation also includes a Psychological Evaluation that 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 as well as the background findings.
Helpful Hint:	Make sure you have been working out and running. If you're over a certain percentage of body fat you will not pass this test.It is strongly advised that you take the CAPS program that LAPD offers at 3 of the Academy. Attending this program will not only improve your physical shape, but you will gain valuable experience on what the workout regimen in the academy is like.


Step 8
Certification and Appointment
	The Certification and Appointment / Pre-employment Substance Screening are the final steps in the selection process. To be considered for hiring, you must have successfully completed all steps in the selection process. When a candidate is appointed will depend on the next available class date, selection by LAPD management, and accordance with provisions of the Consent Decree.
Helpful Hint:	You made it! Your family,wife, girlfriend, husband, boyfriend, siblings, grandparents, friends, neighbors, pets (and everyone else who cares about you) are all proud of you!! Give it your best and NEVER give up.Best of luck recruit!