LAPD - Los Angeles Police Department Department Interview Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the LAPD Department Interview in the hiring process?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate a candidate's personal qualifications, job motivation, interpersonal skills, and judgment.

Answer

To test the candidate's knowledge of specific laws and penal codes.

Answer

To assess the candidate's physical fitness and agility for academy readiness.

Answer

To conduct a final review of the candidate's written application and exam scores.

Question 2

During a Department Interview, a candidate is asked: "Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a supervisor and how you handled it." Which response best demonstrates the qualities the LAPD is seeking?

Accepted Answer

"I listened to my supervisor's perspective, professionally explained my own viewpoint with supporting reasons, and ultimately respected their final decision while committing to the team's goal."

Answer

"I went to my supervisor's boss to explain the situation and how my supervisor's decision was negatively impacting the team."

Answer

"I avoided confrontation by just doing what the supervisor said, even though I knew it was not the best way, because it's important to always follow orders without question."

Answer

"I explained to my supervisor why their approach was completely wrong and eventually convinced them to do it my way, which was more efficient."

Question 3

Which of the following is a core competency that the Department Interview is specifically designed to evaluate?

Accepted Answer

A candidate's job motivation and oral communication skills.

Answer

A candidate's proficiency with computer software and report-writing systems.

Answer

A candidate's physical strength and endurance.

Answer

A candidate's knowledge of advanced tactical procedures.

Question 4

A candidate is asked by the interview panel, "What have you done to prepare for a career as an LAPD Officer?" Which of the following answers is the STRONGEST?

Accepted Answer

"I have maintained excellent physical fitness, taken criminal justice courses, performed volunteer work in my community, and attended LAPD-hosted community meetings."

Answer

"My family has several police officers, so I have a good idea of what the job entails from talking to them."

Answer

"I have watched many police-themed television shows and movies to understand the job's demands."

Answer

"I have practiced for the physical qualification test and studied the California penal code on my own."

Question 5

When preparing for the LAPD Department Interview, a candidate's use of personal examples in response to behavioral questions should primarily aim to demonstrate which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Their ability to connect past experiences to the core competencies required of a police officer.

Answer

That they have an extensive knowledge of LAPD's internal policies and procedures.

Answer

That their previous jobs were more demanding than being a police officer.

Answer

That they have never made a significant mistake in past professional roles.

Question 6

An interview panel asks a candidate, "Describe a significant professional failure and what you learned from it." What is the primary purpose of this question?

Accepted Answer

To assess the candidate's honesty, self-awareness, and capacity for growth and learning.

Answer

To test the candidate's memory and ability to recall specific details under pressure.

Answer

To find a reason to disqualify the candidate based on a past mistake.

Answer

To determine if the candidate is willing to be deceptive to appear flawless.