Background Investigation Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real LAPD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Background Investigation Standards flashcards as text
An LAPD applicant admits to having used marijuana five times during college four years ago. This admission is most likely to result in:
Answer: Evaluation in context of recency, frequency, and the applicant's overall history
LAPD evaluates drug use history holistically; infrequent, remote marijuana use may not disqualify an applicant, but pattern, recency, and honesty in disclosure all factor into the decision.
Which prior drug use history is most likely to result in permanent disqualification from the LAPD hiring process?
Answer: Any use of heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine as an adult
Adult use of hard narcotics such as heroin, methamphetamine, or cocaine typically results in disqualification because these substances reflect serious lapses in judgment incompatible with law enforcement standards.
An applicant used anabolic steroids without a prescription for bodybuilding purposes three years ago. How is this likely viewed in the LAPD background investigation?
Answer: It is considered illegal drug use and evaluated as a negative factor
Non-prescribed anabolic steroid use is illegal under federal law and is treated as illegal drug use during the LAPD background investigation, reflecting poor judgment.
During a LAPD background polygraph examination, an applicant is asked about prior drug use and gives inconsistent answers. What is the most likely outcome?
Answer: The inconsistencies are flagged for follow-up questioning and may lead to disqualification
Inconsistencies detected during a polygraph trigger follow-up investigation; dishonesty about drug use is treated extremely seriously and often leads to disqualification for both the drug use and the lack of candor.
Why does LAPD's background investigation place particular emphasis on recency of drug use when evaluating an applicant's drug history?
Answer: More recent use suggests the behavior may be ongoing or reflects current judgment
Recent drug use is a stronger indicator of current fitness and judgment than isolated past experimentation, making it a more significant factor in the background assessment.
An applicant has a documented history of selling marijuana to classmates in high school six years ago. This is most likely treated as:
Answer: A significant disqualifying factor because it indicates criminal enterprise and poor judgment
Drug sales, even as a juvenile, indicate criminal entrepreneurship and willingness to break the law for profit — red flags that are difficult to overcome in a law enforcement background investigation.
What is the primary purpose of the drug use questions asked during the LAPD polygraph examination?
Answer: To verify the accuracy and completeness of drug history disclosures made earlier in the process
The polygraph drug use questions are designed to cross-check prior written and oral disclosures, ensuring the applicant has been fully truthful throughout the background process.