JOIN THE LBPD - FULL TIME

The Long Beach Police Department is not currently accepting applications for the position of Police Recruit.  Please continue to monitor this website as when this status changes, a link will be provided to the application process.

The following information is provided to assist potential applicants in preparing for the hiring process:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • 20 ½ years of age or older at the time of application
  • US High School Diploma or GED equivalency
  • Have no physical or mental limitations that might prevent the completion of any duty assignment
  • Have 20/20 vision uncorrected; or no more that 20/100 vision correctable to 20/20
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Be a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (1031.5 Government Code)
  • Misdemeanor driving convictions will be evaluated on a case by case basis depending on the totality of the circumstances
  • Cannot be on court ordered probation at the time of application or hire
  • No felony convictions



COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

  • Full pay while attending the 40 hour per week Basic Academy
  • Retirement: 3% for each year worked upon reaching 50 years of age (PERS)
  • 4/40 Work Schedule
  • Excellent promotional opportunities
  • Health Benefits
  • Life Insurance

Salary information – coming soon

SELECTION PROCESS:
The Police Recruit Selection Process consists of two phases:  Civil Service Department Testing Process (Phase I) and Police Department Review and Selection Process (Phase II).  The Police Department, in conjunction with the Civil Service Department, presents workshops designed to help potential candidates gain a clear understanding of the testing process as well as department expectations.


     

    CIVIL SERVICE DEPARTMENT TESTING PROCESS (Phase I):
    The testing process for the position of Police Recruit begins with the application, which should be filled out completely and submitted to Civil Service by the application deadline (Close of Filing).  During an open application process, applicants are encouraged to apply on line; however, hard copy applications are available if needed and should be returned to the Civil Service Department at the following location:

    Civil Service Department
    333 W. Ocean Boulevard, 7th Floor
    Long Beach, CA 90802


    Candidates meeting the minimum requirements are invited to the written and video scenario examination.  Test dates vary and are usually scheduled shortly after the recruitment and open application period.  Applicants must receive a confirmation invitation from Civil Service in order to participate in the above-mentioned examination.  Police Recruit applicants are not required to have prior knowledge or experience in law or police procedures.  The written examination is a general knowledge test that measures an applicant’s ability to learn and apply police information, to remember details, complete reports, interpret maps and accident diagrams, and use judgment and logic.  The video scenario places candidates in police-related situations that measure the candidate’s ability to handle the following:


    • Human Interaction Skills
    • Unbiased Enforcement
    • Situational Judgments
    • Social Maturity
    • Appropriate Use of Force


    The video scenario is weighted qualifying and the written examination is weighted 100%.  This means that the candidate must pass both phases of the test and obtain a minimum score of 70 to be placed on the eligible list.  Candidates receiving a score of 70 or above are considered qualified and eligible to continue on to the second phase of the selection process.


    POLICE DEPARTMENT REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS (Phase II)
    Applicants placed on the Civil Service Eligible List will receive a certified letter of invitation to attend the Police Recruit Orientation held at the Long Beach Police Academy.  This marks the beginning of the evaluation process by the Police Department. 

    Orientation
    Applicants invited to orientation should be aware that Police Department Academy Staff beginning the screening and selection process as soon as they see a candidate enter the Academy grounds.  Applicants should keep this in mind and conduct themselves accordingly. 

    During the orientation, applicants will be given information on the various stages of the evaluation and background process, including a tentative hiring timeline.  The applicant will also receive instructions on the completion of an extensive Personal History Statement (PHS) as well as the submission of required documents.  Applicants should plan to spend four to five hours at the Academy for the orientation and should be mentally and physically ready to start the process.



    Physical Ability Test
    Applicants will also be required to complete a Physical Ability Test (PAT) during the orientation.  This is a pass/fail-timed event and consists of the following:

    • 300 foot run
    • Scale a 6 foot wall (2 attempts)
    • Traverse a 16 foot long balance beam (2 attempts)
    • Squeeze a grip-strength measuring device (strong hand)
    • Mandatory 30 second rest
    • 50 foot run to a dummy
    • Drag a 165 pound dummy 50 feet

    Applicants unable to complete the PAT will be provided with an opportunity to retake the test within one week and may schedule a practice session.  Practice sessions are also available with the Academy Staff prior to the orientation. 

    After the PAT (pass or fail), the applicant will then be required to perform as many push-ups as able (to a maximum of 40) and then complete a 1 ½ mile run on a flat, out and back course.  The desired time of the 1 ½ mile run is 12 minutes.

    Do not wait until you are in the testing process to begin a physical fitness program.  

    Click here for useful information regarding preparing for the physical fitness aspects of the Academy.

    At the successful conclusion of the orientation, applicants will be scheduled for the next steps in the selection process.

    Oral Interview
    The oral interview panel consists of one Long Beach Police Officer and one community member.  Several structured questions will be posed to each applicant.  The questions are designed to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge of relevant topics and assess their communication skills.



    Background Assessment Interview
    The Background Assessment Interview (BAI) is conducted by Background Investigators.  The investigators review the applicant’s PHS as well as all other required documents prior to the interview.  Applicants are given an opportunity to explain areas of concern and it is expected that applicants will be candid and honest with their investigators during this interview and at all stages of the selection process.  All information gathered during the BAI will be checked and verified during other stages of the background investigation. 

    Background Investigation
    The Long Beach Police Department conducts an extensive and comprehensive background investigation on police recruit applicants in compliance with Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).  Applicants will take a polygraph and have a fingerprint examination done.  The polygraph and background investigation will make inquiries into areas including, but not limited to, illegal activity, recent or prolonged involvement with illegal drugs, and other possible unlawful behavior.  Other areas that will be investigated include:

    • Personal:  Name, aliases, birth date, social security number, tattoos, citizenship, etc.  Relatives and acquaintances will be contacted regarding your suitability to be a police officer
    • Education:  High School, college, trade school, and any other sources of diplomas, certificates and degrees received or in progress will be verified through sealed official transcripts
    • Residences:  Residences for the last 10 years will be verified
    • Employment:  All employment history, including part time and voluntary jobs, will be verifies and inquiries will be made with current and post employers and co-workers
    • Military Service:  Registration with the Selection Service System will be verified.  Military Service Records will be evaluated, if applicable
    • Financial:  Inquiries relative to responsibility, dependability, maturity, and liability as these related to meeting financial obligations will be evaluated.  You will be required to submit a sealed Experian Credit Profile as part of your required documentation
    • Legal:  Criminal inquiries will be made at the local, state, national, and if necessary, international level.  Investigation will be made into all possible and actual criminal conduct.  Arrests and convictions will be evaluated on a case by case basis (a misdemeanor conviction in and of itself is not necessarily a disqualifying factor)
    • Motor Vehicle Operation:  Behavior as it relates to driving ability will be reviewed as well as verification of required automobile insurance

    Medical and Psychological Examinations
    Applicants are required to pass medical (including drug testing) and psychological examinations in accordance with POST guidelines.

    Selection Standards
    POST sets the minimum standards for peace officers in the State of California.  POST guidelines provide following five (5) major categories that we consider during the hiring process:

    • Moral Character:  Integrity, Impulse Control/Attention to Safety, Substance Abuse and Other Risk Taking Behavior
    • Handling Stress and Adversity:  Stress Tolerance as well as Confronting and Overcoming Problems, Obstacles, and Adversity
    • Work Habits:  Conscientiousness, Dependability, and Attention to Detail
    • Interactions with Others:  Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork
    • Intellectually-Based Abilities:  Decision Making and Judgment, Learning Ability, and Communication Skills

    For further, visit the POST website at www.post.ca.gov.


    Selection Committee
    Applicants who complete all aspects of the background investigation phase of the hiring process are presented for selection to the Selection Committee of the Long Beach Police Department.

    For additional information regarding recruitment and hiring, please email joinlbpd@longbeach.gov.

    For other job opportunities with the City of Long Beach, please visit www.longbeach.gov/civilservice.

    An Equal Opportunity Employer
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