Police Department

FAQ

FAQ

• What is the drug policy?

  • The Long Beach Police Department will assess drug use on a case-by-case basis and a determination will be made based on the applicant's overall qualifications.

• What is the tattoo policy?

  The currently enacted policy is as follows:

  • No tattoos may be visible while wearing the police uniform (this includes during the recruit training at the academy). Visible tattoos on the neck, face, head, tongue, lips, scalp, or hands are not authorized. A single-band tattooed ring, on one finger, on one hand, is authorized and does not require covering.
  • Any tattoo, scarification, or brand, regardless of its location, depicting offensive, racist, hateful, illegal, sexually explicit acts, or other obscene material; advocates discrimination; depicts gang, supremacist, or extremist group affiliation is not permitted.
  • No intentional body modifications (scarifications, enlarged piercings, abnormal shaping of the eyes, nose, ears and teeth, etc.) are permitted to be visible while in uniform. Body modification that is not visible while in uniform will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
  • Tattoos that extend below the elbow can be covered by a compression sleeve similar in color to the uniform shirt being worn. Tattoos smaller than a 3-inch square on the arm or leg can be covered with one adhesive patch of a color as close to the employee’s skin color as reasonably available.

• What are the minimum requirements to become a Police Officer?

  Minimum requirements can be found here.

• Once I have applied, what’s next?

  The steps in the hiring process can be found here.

• How can I take the written test?

  • We have two written test options.
  • The Frontline National Exam through the National Testing Network. Tests can be done virtually and in-person. Typically, there is a cost of about $55 to take the test through this outside vendor.
  • *Fee waivers are available through Long Beach Civil Service.*
  • PELLETB scores are also accepted.

• How do I apply to be a Lateral Police Officer?

  • Just click this link and submit your application for Lateral Police Officer. We are offering up to $78,000 in lateral incentives.

• When is the next Academy starting?

  • LBPD is hosting back-to-back Academy Classes in 2024. We are currently accepting applications for an Academy class that is tentatively scheduled to start in Summer 2024.  

• How long is the testing/hiring process?

  • The testing/hiring process can take anywhere from 6-12 months, depending on the Academy start date.  

• If I am not a United States citizen, do I qualify to be a Long Beach Police Officer?

  Most likely, yes! You must be legally eligible to work in the United States under federal law Bill Text - SB-960 Public employment: peace officers: citizenship.
  

• What would disqualify me in the testing/hiring process?

  • Any applicant who does meet the minimum requirements will be automatically disqualified.
  • Any applicant that does not pass the testing requirements.

• What is the Physical Abilities Test?

  There are three phases to the Physical Abilities Test; Agility course, push-ups and sit ups, and a 1.5-mile run.
  

• Is there an expedited testing/hiring process?

  • We do offer a modified hiring/testing process for those who qualify, i.e., Applicants from outside of California. To learn more, please contact one of our recruiters.

• What if I have already taken and passed the PELLETB or Frontline National Exams?

  • You can request to have your NTN scores transferred to the City of Long Beach or upload proof of your PELLETB score to your application. 
  • Applicants can also contact The Civil Service Department at 562-570-6202 if further assistance is needed.

• How do I contact Civil Service?

  • To inquire about your application status, attaching written test scores to your application, and upcoming test dates, please contact Civil Service at 562-570-6202.  

• If I have been disqualified from another agency’s process, can I still apply for Long Beach PD? 

  • Yes. The Long Beach Police Department does our own background investigations and makes decisions based on our findings.