About the LAPD
To Protect and to Serve.
The Los Angeles Police Department polices the city itself: Downtown, Hollywood, South LA, the Westside and the San Fernando Valley. Officers handle everything from traffic stops on Sunset Boulevard to major investigations.
We build the LAPD around real procedure: divisions, call signs, a proper chain of command and investigations that go somewhere. Every officer, detective and commander earns their place through the same application process.
Divisions & units
Where you could serve
Patrol
The backbone of the department. First on scene for every call in the city.
Traffic
Collision investigation, DUI enforcement and keeping the streets moving.
Metropolitan Division
SWAT, K-9 and tactical support for high-risk operations.
Air Support
Eyes in the sky over pursuits, searches and perimeters.
Detective Bureau
Robbery, homicide, gangs and narcotics. Cases that need building.
Every rank is open.
6 position groups, 18 ranks, from Police Officer I to Chief of Police.