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Applicants motivated by a sense of duty and a desire to serve multiple communities can find the right platform for their goals with LAPD Jobs. As one of the most well-known and respected police agencies in the United States, the Los Angeles Police Department is located in the center of arguably the most influential cities in the world. With a legacy stretching back more than 150 years, the LAPD has become the icon of modern policing. It balances the demands of an expanding metropolis with the responsibility to serve and protect.
Many individuals are attracted to LAPD careers because of the feeling of purpose that comes with the uniform. Law enforcement is one of the few professions where its employees directly contribute to the safety and well-being of their communities every single day. For those wanting to be a part of something much greater than themselves, joining the LAPD represents a path filled with responsibility, pride, and public service. Beyond the sense of mission, there are actual benefits too. This could be the career move that changes everything, so why not apply today?
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| Company Name: | LAPD |
| Job Locations: | United States |
| Last Updated on: | August 15th, 2025 |
LAPD Jobs in United States 2025 | Remote Work Opportunities
About LAPD
The Los Angeles Police Department dates back to 1869, when six men were appointed to keep order in a growing city of just over 5,000 residents. Since then, the department has grown into one of the largest and most capable police organizations in the country. Over the decades, it has expanded in both size and scope. The agency has adjusted to the shifting needs of urban environments and is adopting new technologies, strategies, and training methodologies. While it has faced its share of challenges and controversies, the LAPD has also become a model for reform and innovation, often initiating changes that influence departments nationwide.
Today, the LAPD employs over 9,000 sworn officers and approximately 3,000 civilian employees. This makes it among the biggest municipal police forces in the United States. The department is divided into 21 geographical divisions, each responsible for policing different neighborhoods across Los Angeles. These divisions ensure that the department maintains an effective and responsive presence in a city that extends over 468 square miles and is home to nearly 4 million people. From Hollywood to South Los Angeles, officers are part of the structure of the city, working closely with residents to build trust and keep communities safe.
Life in the LAPD
Working in the LAPD is unlike any traditional job. Each day brings a new challenge, a different location, and a different set of people. Officers on patrol may start their shift with a morning briefing. They may move on to traffic stops, respond to emergency calls, or conduct follow-up interviews depending on what unfolds in the city. No day is ever the same. The wide-ranging population of Los Angeles ensures that officers interact with people from all walks of life, which constantly pushes their adaptability, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.
There are differences in work-life balance across units. Some specialized divisions have more structured schedules, while patrol officers often work nights, weekends, and holidays. The department tries to accommodate personal needs through flexible options such as compressed schedules. For example, many officers work for 10-hour shifts, giving them three full days off per week. Although the job is demanding, this arrangement allows time for relaxation or spending quality time with family.
The impact of shift work on your lifestyle depends largely on the unit. Field assignments might involve long hours, sudden overtime, and unpredictable calls that interrupt sleep patterns or personal plans. Meanwhile, detectives or internal support teams might enjoy a more stable schedule of hours. The LAPD supports its staff with wellness programs, mental health resources, and peer support groups to help manage the emotional and physical strain that comes with the job. As an LAPD employee, you also have to deal with the following:
- Officers often rotate between handling criminal cases, conducting traffic enforcement, attending court proceedings, and writing detailed reports.
- Units such as Air Support and K-9 require constant training updates, keeping staff members engaged in both physical and mental development.
- New recruits go through a field training officer (FTO) program post-academy, where they are paired with experienced mentors for interactive learning.
- Officers in the Community Engagement Group participate in youth mentorship programs, community clean-ups, and neighborhood safety talks.
- Internal support staff in non-uniformed roles may manage case files, maintain digital evidence systems, or handle logistics for field units.
- Those in detective roles spend most of their time investigating, interviewing, and building cases, often with long-term projects extending for weeks or months.
Types of Jobs Offered by LAPD
Because of the department’s scale and increasing involvement in public safety, LAPD jobs have become more specialized and challenging. While most people immediately think of uniformed officers on patrol, the department actually offers a wide variety of roles that go far beyond the streets. From civilians in tech support to airborne tactical units, there’s a place for many different skill sets and goals within this agency.
Uniformed Police Officer Roles
The mainstay of the department is its uniformed officers. These are the men and women in patrol cars who respond to 911 calls, intervene in active situations, and keep public spaces secure. Their responsibilities include enforcing laws, making arrests, gathering evidence, and filing reports. Every new officer starts out in this role and acquires practical experience that serves as the basis for future promotions or transfers within the agency.
Civilian/Support Staff Positions
For those not interested in law enforcement duties but still wanting to contribute, the department offers an extensive selection of civilian roles. These include positions in HR, communications, recordkeeping, finance, and tech. Civilian staff are responsible for maintaining the operational functions of the department. Their work ensures that officers have the administrative and logistical support they need to operate efficiently and focus on public safety.
Specialized Units
After expanding their knowledge, officers can apply to join specialized teams. The SWAT unit handles high-risk situations like hostage rescues and armed standoffs. The K-9 unit partners officers with trained police dogs for narcotics detection, search and rescue, and suspect tracking. The Air Support Division operates helicopters for aerial surveillance and pursuit support. The Mounted Unit conducts patrols on horseback in parks and urban areas. Each of these units requires additional training and a selection process based on performance and physical conditioning.
Remote Administrative and Tech-Related Roles
While law enforcement work is largely field-based, the department has incorporated hybrid arrangements for non-legislated roles. Employees working in data science, cybersecurity, IT support, and public records may have the option to split their time between home and office environments. These positions are notably attractive to professionals seeking public sector stability with the flexibility of remote work.
Salary, Benefits & Perks
There are generous salaries available for LAPD jobs, as the responsibilities and risks associated with law enforcement roles are reflected in the salaries. Recruits begin earning from their first day at the academy, with structured increases as they progress through the ranks. The following are examples of their salaries:
- Police Recruit: Starting salary is approximately $86,193 annually, effective from the first day at the academy.
- Police Officer I: Upon graduation, officers earn around $92,143 per year.
- Police Officer II: After completing the probationary period, officers receive a salary of approximately $97,300 annually.
- Police Detective: Detectives have an estimated base salary ranging from $98,000 to $145,000, depending on experience and assignment.
- Police Lieutenant: Lieutenants earn between $109,000 and $160,000 annually, reflecting their supervisory responsibilities.
Benefits
Choosing a career in law enforcement comes with more than just a paycheck, and the LAPD ensures its employees are supported at every stage of their career. From health coverage to time-off options and retirement plans, the benefits are designed to promote long-term well-being and stability. Below are some of the key advantages that come with LAPD jobs:
- Deferred Compensation: Options to contribute to deferred compensation plans for additional retirement savings.
- Vacation and Holidays: Sworn employees receive 15 days of vacation per year after one year of service, increasing to 23 days after ten years, plus 13 paid floating holidays annually.
- Sick Leave: Ability to accumulate up to 100 days of paid sick leave at varying percentages.
- Family Leave: Generous maternity and family leave policies to support bonding and personal well-being.
- Work Schedule Flexibility: Options for flexible work schedules, such as four 10-hour days or three 12-hour days, promote work-life balance.
- Bonuses and Incentives: Retention bonuses and annual raises are part of the compensation package, enhancing long-term earnings.
- Educational Opportunities: Tuition reimbursement programs are available for officers pursuing higher education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for LAPD jobs, applicants must meet specific legal and educational standards. The department requires candidates to be at least 20 years old at the time of application, with a minimum age of 21 upon appointment. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident alien status with a commitment to obtain citizenship is mandatory. A high school diploma or GED is required, and college coursework is often viewed favorably, especially for candidates interested in specialized units or promotion later on.
Physical fitness is necessary, and all candidates must possess adequate stamina, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance. The recruitment process includes an extensive fitness test designed to evaluate whether applicants are physically capable of handling the demands of patrol work and emergency response situations. This ensures new hires can meet the physical realities of street-level policing and stay safe in stressful environments.
Background checks are exhaustive and include a criminal history, financial responsibility, and employment record. Any felony conviction, serious offense, or recent drug use may disqualify a candidate. Additionally, honesty during the process is of great importance, as any attempt to conceal information or misrepresent facts can be grounds for immediate disqualification. The following are some of their other criteria:
- Candidates must possess a valid California driver’s license before appointment and have a clean driving record to meet operational standards.
- Tattoos that are visible on uniforms must meet department guidelines and may be subject to review before hiring.
- Vision must be correctable to 20/20, and candidates must pass a comprehensive eye exam including peripheral vision and color perception.
- Applicants are required to pass a drug screening test as part of the medical examination phase.
- Those applying as transferees must have a minimum of two years of recent patrol experience at another law enforcement agency.
- Veterans are encouraged to submit their DD-214 form during the application process to receive preference where applicable.
- Candidates must also pass a written test covering reading comprehension and logical reasoning.
- Fluency in a second language is not required but is considered an asset during the selection process.
- Psychological screening is conducted to evaluate emotional stability and judgment under pressure.
- Applicants may be disqualified for repeated traffic violations, excessive debt, or evidence of dishonesty in prior employment.
Application Process for LAPD Jobs
Applying for LAPD jobs is a multi-step process designed to eliminate unqualified applicants while giving serious candidates the best chance of success. It begins with an online application where future officers fill out a basic profile. This is followed by the Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE), which allows the department to evaluate writing ability, situational judgment, and communication skills. Those who pass this phase move on to the Physical Abilities Test (PAT), which evaluates physical strength, speed, and stamina. The PAT is mandatory and must be completed within a specified timeframe.
After clearing the physical test, candidates undergo a detailed background investigation, which includes interviews with previous employers, friends, and even neighbors. A formal panel interview evaluates each candidate’s verbal communication, ethics, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Successful applicants are then offered a conditional job offer, subject to passing medical and psychological evaluations. Those who qualify are finally admitted to the police academy, where they’ll begin their formal training. On average, the entire process from application to academy entry takes about six to nine months. To improve their chances, candidates should practice the PAT ahead of time, be honest with their paperwork, and stay organized during every step of the hiring procedure.
Police Academy Training at LAPD
Once accepted, recruits begin six-month training at the LAPD Police Academy, one of the most comprehensive law enforcement training programs in the country. This full-time commitment is designed to transform civilians into professional officers through comprehensive academic, tactical, and physical education. The curriculum includes instruction in criminal law, ethics, community policing, and cultural awareness. This is all designed to prepare officers for the challenges of Los Angeles. Physical fitness, emergency response protocols, and field tactics are also stressed throughout the program.
Recruits are paid during the entire training period and receive full benefits, which is exceptionally valuable for those switching from other careers or in the military service. Veterans are able to use GI Bill benefits, and the department offers additional support for those with service-connected challenges. Beyond just technical skills, the academy builds character, discipline, and an understanding of the responsibilities attached to the badge. The program is demanding, but upon graduation, recruits are fully prepared for the realities of street patrol and community service.
Summary
With LAPD jobs, you’ll be able to make a meaningful and significant impact while enjoying excellent benefits and stability. From patrol to leadership roles, the department provides countless opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and personal fulfillment. With attractive salaries, retirement plans, and the ability to serve a variety of communities, there’s every reason to explore openings and start a future filled with purpose.
