LAPD Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield LAPD facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An officer writes 4 parking tickets per hour. Her partner writes 6 per hour. Working together for 3 hours, how many tickets do they write in total? → 30
2. A series of thefts occurred on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. A theft is reported on Sunday. Which statement best applies logical analysis? → Sunday's theft may or may not be related — additional evidence is needed
3. How far in advance should a candidate begin structured training to prepare for the LAPD PFQ? → At least three to six months before testing
4. When a person's status shifts from witness to suspect during a custodial interview, the officer must: → Immediately administer Miranda warnings before continuing any interrogation
5. In law enforcement, what is the solemn meaning of the term "End of Watch" (EOW)? → The death of an officer in the line of duty.
6. Which version corrects the run-on sentence: 'The officer arrived at the scene the suspect had already fled'? → The officer arrived at the scene; the suspect had already fled.
7. In police terminology, what is a 'CI'? → Confidential Informant
8. Which type of injury is most commonly associated with running events like the 500-meter and 1.5-mile runs? → Lower-extremity overuse injuries such as shin splints and knee pain
9. What does a dangling modifier do in a sentence? → Modifies a word that is not present or not the intended subject
10. How much time is allotted for the push-up event in the LAPD PFQ? → 60 seconds
11. A written witness statement is most reliable and legally useful when: → Reviewed by the witness, corrected as needed, and signed by them
12. An officer writes: 'The suspect, who was wearing a red jacket, and carrying a backpack, fled northbound.' What is wrong with this sentence? → It has an unnecessary comma before 'and'
13. Which word is spelled correctly? → harassment
14. An officer earns $62,400 per year. What is her biweekly (every two weeks) gross pay? → $2,400
15. The sheriff had little trouble _________ house. → Finding their
16. A police document uses the word 'acquittal.' This term means: → a formal judgment that a person is not guilty
17. How does the LAPD background investigation treat an applicant's juvenile record that was sealed by the court? → It must still be disclosed and may be reviewed by investigators
18. Forensic interview protocols such as NICHD are recommended for child abuse victims because they: → Minimize suggestibility while protecting the child and preserving evidentiary value
19. What error appears in this sentence: 'Each of the officers were required to submit their reports by 0800.'? → 'Were' should be 'was' — 'each' is singular
20. When a cooperative witness struggles to recall specific details, the best approach is to: → Use memory-enhancing techniques such as mental reinstatement of context
21. After a witness completes their free-recall narrative, an officer should next use: → Specific questions to clarify or expand on details already provided
22. A suspect was seen leaving the building at 9:00 PM. The crime occurred between 8:45 PM and 9:15 PM. What can be concluded? → The suspect cannot be ruled out based on timing alone
23. To ____________ is to obey directions. → comply
24. If a candidate fails one event on the LAPD PFQ, what typically happens next? → They may be allowed to retest after a required waiting period
25. A robbery victim describes the suspect as wearing a 'blue hoodie.' As the responding officer, what follow-up question is MOST important? → 'What shade of blue — light, dark, or navy — and did it have any logos or writing?'
26. In a use-of-force report, 'proportional' response means: → force matching the level of threat presented
27. During the rapport-building phase of an interview, the most effective approach is to: → Use open-ended, neutral questions about non-threatening topics
28. Select the correctly spelled word for the authority of a court to hear and decide a case: → jurisdiction
29. What is the primary purpose of an LAPD officer completing a Field Interview (FI) card or report? → To document contacts and gather intelligence for future investigations.
30. Which statement best describes the LAPD's intent in requiring recruits to pass the Physical Fitness Qualifier? → To ensure all officers can meet the physical demands inherent in police service