• 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.

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.

Minimum requirements can be found here.

The steps in the hiring process are available here.

• 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.

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

• We are currently accepting applications for an Academy class that is tentatively scheduled to start in Fall 2025.  

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

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.

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.  

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