LAPD Core Values and Hiring Process Flashcards

An officer notices a partner pocketing a small amount of cash found during a search. Which LAPD core value is MOST directly at stake?

Answer: Integrity in All We Say and Do

Theft of property and failing to report it violate the core value of Integrity in All We Say and Do.

Which phrase is part of the LAPD mission statement?

Answer: To safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve

The LAPD mission begins with safeguarding the lives and property of the people it serves.

Besides reducing crime itself, the LAPD mission statement commits the Department to reducing what?

Answer: The fear of crime

The mission statement aims to reduce the incidence and fear of crime.

How many core values does the LAPD officially list?

Answer: Six

LAPD lists six core values, from Service to Our Communities to Quality Through Continuous Improvement.

What minimum education credential is required to become an LAPD police officer?

Answer: A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent such as CHSPE

LAPD requires a high school diploma or an accepted equivalent such as the GED or CHSPE.

Which state commission sets the minimum selection and training standards that LAPD officers must meet?

Answer: California POST (Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training)

California POST sets statewide peace officer selection and training standards.

During the hiring process, a candidate leaves a past arrest off their background questionnaire, and investigators later find it. What is the most likely result?

Answer: The candidate may be disqualified for lack of candor

Honesty is critical in background investigations, and dishonesty or omissions are a common reason for disqualification.

A community member speaks limited English and is frustrated during a report. The officer patiently arranges a translator. Which core value does this BEST reflect?

Answer: Respect for People

Treating every person with dignity and patience reflects Respect for People.

Which civilian body sets policy for the LAPD and oversees the Department?

Answer: The Board of Police Commissioners

The five-member civilian Board of Police Commissioners heads the Department and sets its policy.

How is the LAPD Chief of Police selected?

Answer: Appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council

The Mayor appoints the Chief, often from candidates forwarded by the Police Commission, and the City Council confirms the choice.

Which LAPD core value is shown when an officer studies after-action reports to improve how they handle future incidents?

Answer: Quality Through Continuous Improvement

Learning from experience to perform better reflects Quality Through Continuous Improvement.

What is the probationary rank given to a newly hired LAPD officer?

Answer: Police Officer I

New LAPD officers start as Police Officer I while on probation.

Why does LAPD give candidates a polygraph examination during hiring?

Answer: To verify the truthfulness of information given in the background process

The polygraph helps confirm that the candidate's background disclosures are truthful.

LAPD's long-time motto 'To Protect and to Serve' came from which source?

Answer: A 1955 Police Academy motto contest won by Officer Joseph Dorobek

Officer Joseph S. Dorobek wrote the winning entry in a 1955 academy motto contest.

An officer applies the law the same way to a city official as to any other resident. Which core value does this demonstrate?

Answer: Reverence for the Law

Applying the law fairly and equally to everyone reflects Reverence for the Law.

According to LAPD's 'Commitment to Leadership' value, who is expected to show leadership?

Answer: Every member of the Department, at every rank

LAPD expects every employee to lead by example, whatever their rank.

In the hiring process, what does the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) mainly assess?

Answer: Whether the candidate has the fitness to start academy training

The PAT checks that candidates are fit enough to handle the physical demands of the academy.

A candidate has a strong record but a history of hostile, threatening social media posts. In which phase is this most likely to come up?

Answer: The background investigation

The background investigation looks at a candidate's conduct, including their online activity.

After the Rampart scandal, the LAPD operated under what kind of federal oversight starting in 2001?

Answer: A consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice

LAPD entered a federal consent decree in 2001 to carry out reforms after Rampart.

An officer joins a neighborhood watch meeting to hear residents' concerns and work out solutions with them. Which core value fits BEST?

Answer: Service to Our Communities

Partnering with residents to address their concerns reflects Service to Our Communities.