How many police officers are in the LAPD?

The Los Angeles Police Department has approximately 9,000 sworn officers, making it the third-largest municipal police force in the United States behind the NYPD and Chicago PD. The department also employs around 3,000 civilian staff. LAPD serves a population of roughly 4 million residents across 473 square miles, divided into 21 community police stations.

How many cops does the LAPD have compared to other major cities?

The LAPD has roughly 9,000 sworn officers, which gives Los Angeles about 2.3 officers per 1,000 residents. By comparison, New York City has approximately 36,000 officers (about 4.2 per 1,000 residents) and Chicago has around 11,600 (about 4.3 per 1,000). LAPD consistently operates with one of the lowest officer-to-resident ratios among major U.S. cities.

Is the LAPD currently hiring new police officers?

The LAPD actively recruits throughout the year to maintain staffing levels and fill vacancies. The department typically aims to hire several hundred officers annually through multiple academy classes. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a U.S. high school diploma or GED, and pass the written exam, physical fitness qualifier, background investigation, and medical and psychological evaluations.

How to get a police report from the LAPD?

You can request an LAPD police report online through the department's website at lapdonline.org, by visiting the Records and Identification Division at 100 West First Street in downtown Los Angeles, or by mailing a written request. Traffic collision reports are available from the reporting division. Most reports require the DR (Division of Records) number, and fees typically range from $0 to $25 depending on the report type.

What is the LAPD hiring process timeline from application to academy?

The full LAPD hiring process typically takes 6 to 12 months from initial application to academy entry. After passing the written exam, candidates complete the Physical Fitness Qualifier, a background investigation that can take several months, a polygraph exam, a medical evaluation, and a psychological evaluation. The police academy itself runs approximately six months at the LAPD Training Division in Elysian Park.

How many divisions and stations does the LAPD have?

The LAPD is organized into four geographic bureaus — Central, South, Valley, and West — containing 21 community police stations. Each station is commanded by a captain and serves a specific geographic area of the city. The department also operates specialized divisions including Robbery-Homicide, Major Crimes, Gang and Narcotics, and Metropolitan Division, which handles tactical operations and high-profile events.

What is the starting salary for an LAPD police officer?

An entry-level LAPD Police Officer I earns a starting base salary of approximately $82,000 to $93,000 per year as of recent pay scales. After completing probation and advancing to Police Officer II, salary increases to roughly $97,000 to $119,000 annually. Officers also receive benefits including health insurance, a pension plan through LACERS, paid overtime opportunities, and various specialty pay bonuses for assignments like detective or K-9 units.

What physical fitness requirements does the LAPD have?

The LAPD Physical Fitness Qualifier (PFQ) includes a timed run of 1.5 miles, push-ups, sit-ups, and a body composition assessment. Candidates must meet minimum standards in each event, with the 1.5-mile run typically required in under 14 minutes. The PFQ is scored on a pass-fail basis. Candidates who fail may retest, but strong physical conditioning before testing day is strongly recommended since the academy physical training is significantly more demanding.

LAPD Practice Test

Updated for August 2026

Captain Jennifer WalshAug 1, 202612 min read

⏱️2 HoursTime Limit

📝50+Questions

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The LAPD Los Angeles police force requires candidates to exhibit high moral character and physical fitness. Our guide covers all police department LAPD requirements.

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👮‍♂️What is the core mission?

To safeguard the lives and property of the people we serve.

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⚖️What is "Reasonable Suspicion"?

Specific facts that would lead a reasonable officer to suspect criminal activity.

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📝Report Writing Focus?

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Candidates must pass the Physical Fitness Qualifier before the academy.

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Our lapd chief of police approved guide helps you navigate the recruitment process. Learn about the LAPD police officer requirements.

What is the LAPD exam?	The LAPD exam is a multi-step selection process for becoming a Los Angeles Police Officer, including a written test and physical qualifier.
Who can take the LAPD test?	US citizens or permanent residents who meet the age and education requirements can take the LAPD test.
Do I need a degree for LAPD?	A high school diploma or GED is required, but a college degree can help with LAPD promotions.
Who leads the force?	The Los Angeles Police Department is led by the chief of lapd.

What is the LAPD exam?

The LAPD exam is a multi-step selection process for becoming a Los Angeles Police Officer, including a written test and physical qualifier.

Who can take the LAPD test?

US citizens or permanent residents who meet the age and education requirements can take the LAPD test.

Do I need a degree for LAPD?

A high school diploma or GED is required, but a college degree can help with LAPD promotions.

Who leads the force?

The Los Angeles Police Department is led by the chief of lapd.

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Total Scored Questions

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Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

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✓Valid Photo ID
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About the Author

Captain Jennifer WalshBS Aerospace Engineering, FAA A&P, ATP

Commercial Pilot & FAA Certification Specialist

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Captain Jennifer Walsh graduated with honors in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and holds FAA Airframe & Powerplant and Airline Transport Pilot certificates. With 11 years of commercial aviation experience and 6 years as a ground school instructor, she guides aviation mechanics and student pilots through FAA written exams and practical tests.

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