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Los Angeles Police Department

88K views 406 replies 70 participants last post by  LA Copper 
#1 ·
A few folks have PM'ed me over the last year or so asking about the LAPD. For the last two or three years we had the expedited testing process on hold due to budget cuts. This process allowed you to travel out here and complete all the tests in one, maybe two trips, which is how I did it back in 1988. If you decide to do it, I could help you.

The process has returned and we are now doing it again. We are always hiring and nowadays have about seven or eight academy classes a year. (It used to be one a month but due to budget cuts we've cut them back.) If anyone's interested, the following websites are helpful: joinlapd.com and lapdonline.org

While you guys are freezing back there with snow and rain, it's been in the mid 70s out here. And if you like the snow, it's only an hour's drive up north. In the summer, there's no humidity and no mosquitoes either. Even if you come out here, stay on the job for a few years, receive top quality training and then go back home, at least you've got that experience behind you. It's something to think about for those of you who have been waiting for years to get on the job back there. I've been on the job out here for 25 years and I still love it, that should say something I would think. Just thought I'd put it out there.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask here or PM me. Good luck.
 
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#122 ·
I was just watching the episode of "Adam-12" where Reed's friend from school becomes a Reserve. Reed is concerned about him riding with Wells and feels the $10/month isn't enough to put up with Wells' bullshit (though THAT word is NOT used.)

TEN DOLLARS A MONTH?!?!!??! When I was a SPECIAL working paid details 1970-1980 I was making nine dollars/HOUR!

That was only a few years after this episode was made. Wow. talk about an injustice.
 
#126 · (Edited)
There are very few off-duty jobs we can work in uniform:

Movie and television shoots on city streets; Staples Center for Kings, Lakers, Clippers and concerts; Dodger Stadium, and The Coliseum for USC football games. That's about all I can think of. Our department is very strict about where we're allowed to wear the uniform, which represents the department.

Our types of off-duty jobs not wearing a uniform might include: security at the home of a big shot celebrity (I know a guy who is a bodyguard of sorts for Elton John), mortgage brokers, real estate agents, security at high school football games; and private security for the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards and Grammy Awards, all of which are in a tuxedo.

Both in and out of uniform requires a "work permit" which is ok'ed by the officer's commanding officer and we aren't allowed to work more than 30 extra hours a week.

Not a lot of us work much off-duty work; I never do. We make our extra money doing police work or going to court after doing police work. If my back is going to ache, I'd rather have it be because I'm standing at a homicide scene, an OIS scene, or on a perimeter for an armed robbery suspect.
 
#127 ·
Well, I was able to finally visit LA again last week and meet up with LACOPPER. He generously offered to spend his days off giving me a true insider tour of Los Angeles. It wasn't my first time there, but it was definitely my first time cruising Rampart, Skid Row, North Hollywood, and other infamous places. He knows the city inside and out, and we would go from a graffiti covered MS-13 alley to 8 figure homes in the Hollywood Hills in less than an hour. We toured all the major downtown divisions, visited Metro...hq of SWAT, where I got to chat guns with their armorer (the toys they have....a few that even surprised me. They are ready for ANYTHING, the only thing I didn't see were Stinger missiles), Newton Division which is End of Watch territory, it was amazing. Stood on the site of the LA riots intersection where Reginald Deny celebrated diversity, drove the streets of the North Hollywood shootout, and perhaps the most sinister stop....we saw the house from the Brady Bunch. LACOPPER also pointed out places casually and said "oh, and here was where I arrested Rodney King". I did a ride along in the Valley, which was quiet at the time...but just a few blocks from the station is where the first LAPD helicopter was shot down. The sheer enormity of the city was staggering. The opportunities are endless. The weather perfect, the women gorgeous, and if you want to get in a gunfight....you couldnt pick a better spot.
LACOPPER has over 20 years on LAPD, and has generously spent much time and effort answering questions on here. If you're ever in LA and interested in a tour of the department, he's the guy to talk to.. If you have any interest at all, reach out and talk to him. And feel free to send him a message. When he answers, just make sure to message back!
 
#128 ·
Had the same experience visiting LACopper this past February and would also like to take this time to thank him as well for showing my wife and i an AWESOME time while visiting Los Angeles.

Hush is right. LACopper is a great contact. LAPD is huge, has lots of specialized units and tons of action.

For a young person that has something going for them it's a great opportunity .
 
#130 · (Edited)
I just heard from a pretty reliable source that we will be looking to add another 1000 officers to our department. That will bring us up to 11,000 total sworn. When I first joined the LAPD we only had 7200 officers so we've come a long way.

That means we'll be hiring a lot of (qualified) folks in the next couple of years for those of you who are bold enough to make the trek out west and work for a pretty darn good police department.

You don't need a "hook," you don't need to have a full-time academy behind you, you don't need to already be a dispatcher, you don't need to be an auxiliary, and the test is free, not counting the flight out!

PM me if you're interested.

Oh and yes, we are armed, yes, we have Chapter 90, and no, we don't have to wear our covers (hats).
 
#131 · (Edited)
August saw 42 people killed in the City of LA. That's a lot of folks for one month and that doesn't count the folks who were shot and stabbed but didn't die.

Moral of the story; it's still pretty busy, and violent, out here for those of you who want to work and are still looking to get on a police job.
 
#136 ·
A few folks have PM'ed me over the last year or so asking about the LAPD. For the last two or three years we had the expedited testing process on hold due to budget cuts. This process allowed you to travel out here and complete all the tests in one, maybe two trips, which is how I did it back in 1988. If you decide to do it, I could help you.

The process has returned and we are now doing it again. We are always hiring and nowadays have about seven or eight academy classes a year. (It used to be one a month but due to budget cuts we've cut them back.) If anyone's interested, the following websites are helpful: joinlapd.com and lapdonline.org

While you guys are freezing back there with snow and rain, it's been in the mid 70s out here. And if you like the snow, it's only an hour's drive up north. In the summer, there's no humidity and no mosquitoes either. Even if you come out here, stay on the job for a few years, receive top quality training and then go back home, at least you've got that experience behind you. It's something to think about for those of you who have been waiting for years to get on the job back there. I've been on the job out here for 25 years and I still love it, that should say something I would think. Just thought I'd put it out there.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask here or PM me. Good luck.
Hey LA copper, I've been strongly considering going through the process. I'm a mass kid, and very sick of this civil service crap. I also have a full-time job, and time off would be hard to get for the process. Do they help out out of state folks? Thanks.
 
#137 ·
Hi Jwing

Have you you read through this thread? If so, you'll see that I've referenced the Expedited Testing process many times.

So yes, we help out of state folks who test with us. You first have to take the Preliminary Background Assessment (PBA) online. Depending on how you answer the questions, it will tell you whether or not you qualify for it. If you do, you can take all the tests in two trips out here to LA. You have to go to the recruiting website, joinlapd.com to take it.

I'm a Mass kid as well and took several Civil Service tests before I came out west so I feel your pain. PM me if you'd like.
 
#142 ·
Hello Everyone,


I just got back from my trip to LA where I took part in the out of state expedited process. While I was out there testing I had the pleasure of meeting up with LA Copper. I strongly suggest contacting LA Copper regarding any questions you may have about the LAPD. I can almost guarantee he knows the answer and if he does not he will find it out for you.


The trip started out with a tour of "01" Central Division which is located downtown next to "Skid Row". I had the opportunity to check out the SWAT vehicles that are being stored there along with many different METRO cruisers both marked and unmarked. We also got to see many different LAPD motorcycles both brand new and retired. After Central we traveled over to Piper Tech where we saw more police vehicles as well as the world famous air units.


We then traveled over to the rampart area where we got to see the different gang territories and how the LAPD goes about conducting business in those areas. It was definitely an eye opener, LA Copper knew so much about these gangs it was amazing. We then had the opportunity to visit the "02" Rampart Division which is world famous as well. One of my favorite shows ever was SouthLAnd, LA Copper was able to point out specific areas where the show was filmed in that division. After the geographical tour we were able to get a tour of the actual Rampart station where we were able to talk to a few members of the LAPD who you could tell loved what they do.


The first day of tours finished up with a visit to two of the three LAPD academies located in different parts of the city. I met a K9 officer and was able to see where the PT and classes are conducted. After checking out the original LAPD academy we headed over to the Edward Davis LAPD academy. At the ED Davis academy we got to see the range, EVOC course and where the recruits had their classes. We finished up by checking out the site of the North Hollywood Bank Robbery which was one of my favorite parts of the tour.


On the first day of testing I arrived at the LA Personnel Dept. where I met with approx. 25 other expedited testers. We were sent into a room where we were briefed on the test and what was required of us. The written test was not too difficult but you have to make sure you write legibly and focus on spelling,grammar punctuation etc. After the written we had a short lunch break until we met back for the first phase of the PAT. The PAT consisted of a two minute stationary bike ride, a side step agility test and a upper body strength test. I believe every applicant passed this portion of testing.

On Day two we met with our background investigators and turned in all of the necessary paperwork. We also were asked specific questions about our background that would later be used for the polygraph process. After the meeting we were sent up to a room to schedule our department interview and polygraph.

On Day three I had to be at piper tech for my polygraph at 6 AM. I was there bright and early ready to go. Make sure you eat something and follow your daily routine. You want to be well rested for this step of the process. The staff was very professional and informative. I cannot get into the questions that were asked but just be honest. I found out about an hour after the polygraph that I had passed and was moving on to the medical/psychological portion.

On Day four I met at the medical department where I was given the psychological written test and pulled out of the testing area periodically to be tested for things such as vision,hearing,pulmonary function,body fat etc. I also completed phase two of the PAT which consisted of a treadmill run simulating 14.5 min on a track. The test really only lasts about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that this does not mean you are fit enough to complete the academy, this is only a measurement of the minimal standards.

After I found out I passed the final phase of the PAT I was told my Psych. results would be reported at a later date. Three days later I received a conditional job offer pending my background and psych results. Overall the trip was an amazing experience. The LAPD is by far the most squared away police department I have ever seen. I have been a Police Officer in Massachusetts for about a year now and I can honestly say most of the departments around here are light years behind the LAPD. If you are looking for warm weather, proper tactics and professionalism take the first step in the process which is the PBA. If you have any questions for me please feel free to private message me. If I dont have an answer for you I will do my best to find the answer for you as fast as possible. Once Again I want to thank LA Copper for all he did for me during my week of testing. I learned a ton about the LAPD and what is required on a daily basis.
 
#144 ·
Couldn't agree more, great post--especially for someone like me who's in the middle of figuring out what to do and where to go
 
#146 ·
trs22, it was a pleasure meeting you as well. Your knowledge prior to arriving here was impressive and showed you obviously did your homework. That must have helped since you already got the job offer. I look forward to you coming back out for the big move. Let me know if I can do anything else to help you out.

For anyone else watching this thread and thinking of coming out here to Los Angeles, take trs22 up on his offer of advice since he just when through the same process you would. Not to mention you'd have someone else from Massachusetts possibly in the same academy class as you and someone to share your experiences with. We're always hiring and we still have the expedited process.

Look at us as an option in case Civil Service doesn't work out. If you're still young, you could come out and give us a try. If you don't like it you could still go back there and try it again. "Nothing ventured is nothing gained."

Feel free to hit me up with questions here or on a PM as I'll be happy to help you out as well, just as we did with trs22.
 
#147 ·
Hi Everyone,

I, like trs22, just returned from a trip to warm, sunny, Los Angeles. I was able to spend three days in the area, take the written (PQE) portion of the testing process, and spend some time visiting with @LA Copper touring various LAPD facilities. I would also suggest reaching out to him (or myself) with any questions about the job.

During my whirlwind tour of the LAPD buildings, I was able to see Metro Division's SWAT equipment, Rampart Division's gang territories, and Mission Division's communications/dispatch area. I was also fortunate enough to be able to visit all three academy facilities, and run into some fantastic officers along the way.

At the Elysian Park academy we ran into two SWAT officers who were nothing but encouraging (and happy to show me their trunk full of 'toys'). At the Ed Davis academy I was able to observe the Hogan's Alley-esque training village, the EVOC course, and talk to one of the gentlemen responsible for making it all happen. Finally, at the Mission Division station, I was able to talk to a detective, an LT, and a communications officer who, along with LA Copper, have (probably) close to 80 years on the job between them.

While each of the officers and personnel I met had a broad range of experience and advice, there were a couple commonalities between them that stuck with me. The first was that, despite their years on the job, each and every one of them was very open and vocal about how much they loved the job. The second was how invested they all were in seeing some stranger succeed in the hiring process.

Even if you're not sure about the prospect of moving across the country to LA (like myself), I highly suggest looking into the process, talking to LA Copper and those of us that have been gone out to see the area, and even taking a trip out if you can manage it. The training and job opportunities in the LAPD are near-endless, and if you're still looking to get on with an excellent department (and don't have a country-bound SO and her horse to convince) then I would recommend the LAPD without hesitation.

Personally, I'm hoping to travel back out early next year for the expedited process (and do some convincing/horse whispering in the meanwhile). Like trs22 I work for a local department and would say that the LAPD is light years beyond our own departments in terms of tactics, training, opportunities, and even morale. I'd like to thank LA Copper and his colleagues again for their help and hospitality during my stay and hope that some of you will put some serious consideration into the prospect of making the trip.
 
#148 ·
Hi Vertex,
I'm glad you came out and as with trs22, it was a pleasure to have you. I still enjoy taking my fellow Bostonians around the city and sorta kinda showing off our department. I'm very glad you had a positive experience while you were here and encourage others who may be thinking about it to come out and give us a look. Or at the very least, PM trs22, vertex, or myself and ask some questions.

We'll see you guys out here in the next couple of months. It would be pretty cool if both you and trs22 came out at the same time and ended up in the same academy class! (We have academy classes starting almost every month now.) Both of you please keep me updated and I'll look forward to seeing you guys in the new year.

Any other adventurous folks back there tired of waiting for the Civil Service thing to kick in? If so, we're here waiting for you!
 
#149 ·
Even as a retired corrections officer i got the red carpet treatment when visiting with LA Copper. Wish i had made the move 20 yrs ago, but you will have to be squeaky clean and have "the right stuff".

LAPD does have very high standards

Would encourage anyone contemplating going out of state for employment to reach out and contact LA Copper .

Great guy, officer and best contact for a fellow Bostonian :cool:
 
#152 ·
Good Morning LA Copper, iv watched this thread for a while even though i just made an account. Im pretty interested in joining you over in LA. Right now i'm a campus cop in MA but id like to move up. Your story in the first post back in 2014 was pretty inspiring. I noticed on the JoinLAPD website there not offering expedited testing. Is that something you can see coming up soon? Im also a member of the MA National Guard so if everything was to go through id have to transfer my unit.

Thank you for your time. I can see you like to help people on here with advice, that's pretty cool of you.
 
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