Police Officers are responsible for protecting and serving the public

Police Officers are responsible for protecting and serving the public and are entrusted with substantial authority to carry out these responsibilities. The public has the right to expect that such authority is given only to those individuals who have demonstrated by their conduct that they will use the authority given to them in the public’s best interests. Past behavior will be closely scrutinized and only candidates with the highest probability of success will be appointed as Police Officers. The background evaluation will include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Your past behavior and the choices you have made must demonstrate positive traits that will support your candidacy for Police Officer and reflect favorably on your character.
• You must have a history of lawful conduct.
• You must possess high standards of honesty and integrity as demonstrated by your dealings with individuals and organizations. Behaviors such as theft from employers or others, deceitful acts whether for personal gain or not, and falsifying, misrepresenting, or omitting information on any document or during the selection process will be closely scrutinized.
• You must respect the rights of all people and have an appreciation for the diversity that characterizes Los Angeles. A history of domestic violence, physical altercations, or discourteous, abusive, or violent treatment of others may indicate a lack of self-discipline, an unwillingness or inability to cooperate, or a disregard for the rights of others.
• You must have a history of making responsible choices regarding the use of drugs and alcohol.
• Your employment and military (if applicable) histories must demonstrate the motivation and success-orientation critical to success as a Police Officer.
• Your financial and driving records must demonstrate responsible decisions and appropriate behavior