POLICE SPECIALIST (LATERAL) 2217

Police Specialist

As a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department, a Police Specialist maintains order, enforces laws and ordinances, and protects life and property; works with neighborhood associations and community members as a planner, community organizer, problem solver and information link; issues citations, makes arrests, prepares reports, and provides information to the public and departmental units; and does related work.

Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

Possess a current California Basic P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Certificate at the time of application; or Have standing as an LAPD Line Reserve Officer with Certified Designated level 1 (CDL) status; or A Basic Course Waiver issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Testing; and meet other standards including those pertaining to vision, physical capability, health conditions, and background applicable to Police Officer. You must also be 21 years of age at the time of hire. Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

The selection process is started by completing the Public Safety On-line Application, available at https : / / mypd.joinlapd.com / . Upon completion of the On-line application, candidates should submit a copy of their CA POST profile through email to psdselection@lacity.org.

The examination will consist of a qualifying multiple-choice test, a qualifying Personal History Statement, and an interview. The qualifying multiple-choice test will evaluate factors including spelling, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and clarity. Your passing score does not expire. The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection.

All candidates who receive a passing score on the Multiple-Choice Test will be invited to submit a Personal History Statement. The Personal History Statement is a preliminary background investigation, which requires complication of extensive biographical information.

Candidates who pass the Personal History Statement will be invited for an Interview. In the interview, the following competencies may be evaluated : Personal Accomplishment; Job Motivation; Community Involvement / Awareness; Problem Solving Skills; Interpersonal Skills; and Oral Communication Skills. Your interview score will determine your rank on the eligible list. Your passing score will expire after 2 years. The interview will be conducted on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line interview will be able to join from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection.

The investigation begins with completion of a Personal History Statement and will include fingerprinting, and a background interview. The investigation also includes checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends.

In order to better prepare for the exam and the physical demands of the academy, you are required to complete the Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ). Your score on the PFQ is advisory. You must complete the PFQ at least once prior to appointment. You are welcome to retake the PFQ as many times as you like, and the score is valid for 12 months.

Consists of a thorough evaluation by a City physician. It is essential that you be in excellent health, with no conditions that would restrict your ability to safely perform the work of a Police Officer. A cardiac stress test may be required.

You must be in excellent health, with no conditions that would restrict your ability to safely complete Academy training and perform police work for the Los Angeles Police Department. Your weight (body fat content) must be appropriate for height and build and you should be in excellent physical condition.

Your uncorrected distance vision must not exceed 20 / 70 in either eye and the best eye must be at least 20 / 40 and wearing eyeglasses you must have corrected vision to at least 20 / 30 in each eye. 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 wearing the contact lenses and there is no uncorrected distant vision requirement.

Before you can be hired as a Police Specialist, you must successfully complete all required steps.

You will be required to attend an abbreviated training and orientation program which will cover areas where LAPD training exceeds POST mandated training and areas that are LAPD specific. The training will be conducted in a manner that recognizes your standing as an experienced peace officer and not a new recruit. Training is based on a 40-hour week during which you will receive full pay.

Employees will receive regular appointments to the class of Police Specialist and will begin an 18-month probationary period. Upon successful completion of the 18-month probationary period, a Police Specialist will receive a Charter Section 1014 transfer to the class of Police Officer. Police Specialists are assigned to a Training Officer during their field training. Your first two to three years will be spent in a patrol assignment.

Among the excellent benefits provided are annual paid vacations, holidays, medical and dental plans, sick leave, and a retirement system.