As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the LAPD is recruiting new officers while planning to bring in additional law enforcement personnel from other agencies to help secure one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Los Angeles is preparing for one of the largest security operations in its history, and the Los Angeles Police Department wants more recruits to help meet the challenge.
With the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, the LAPD is actively hiring new officers while also planning to rely on thousands of law enforcement personnel from other agencies because the department remains below its desired staffing level. For Californians considering a career in public service, this hiring push could create new opportunities over the next several years.
City leaders estimate security for the LA28 Games will require 24,000 to 30,000 law enforcement officers across Southern California. The LAPD alone expects a significant daily staffing gap for Olympic venues within Los Angeles, prompting expanded recruiting efforts and proposals to temporarily certify qualified officers from other states to assist during the Games.
Hosting the Olympics means far more than securing stadiums.
Police officers will help provide security at competition venues, transportation hubs, public celebrations, tourist areas, and neighborhoods expected to welcome millions of visitors.
Although recruitment continues, department leaders have acknowledged that hiring alone is unlikely to fully meet staffing needs before 2028. As a result, city officials are also pursuing agreements that would allow qualified officers from outside California to temporarily work during the Games if authorized under state law.
For local job seekers, however, the recruitment campaign represents an opportunity to enter one of California’s largest law enforcement agencies.
Who Can Apply?
According to the LAPD’s recruitment program, applicants must meet several basic requirements:
- Be at least 20 years old when applying.
- Be 21 years old before graduating from the Police Academy.
- Hold a U.S. high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Meet department background, medical, and psychological standards.
- Meet vision requirements.
- There is no Los Angeles residency requirement, meaning applicants may live outside the city.
The Seven-Step Hiring Process
Applicants move through several stages before entering the academy:
- Online application and questionnaire
- Multiple-choice examination
- Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
- Department interview
- Polygraph examination
- Medical evaluation and background investigation
- Psychological evaluation
What Is the Physical Abilities Test?
The Physical Abilities Test measures whether applicants are prepared for academy training.
It includes:
- One minute of sit-ups
- 300-meter sprint
- One minute of push-ups
- 1.5-mile run
Candidates who need additional conditioning can participate in free preparation programs offered by the department.
Free Fitness Programs for Applicants
The LAPD offers two free programs designed to improve applicants’ chances of success.
Fit4Hire
Fit4Hire is intended for applicants who need to improve their physical fitness or reduce body mass index before entering the academy.
The workouts use high-intensity interval training and are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the LAPD Academy in Elysian Park near Dodger Stadium.
Candidate Advancement Program (CAP)
The Candidate Advancement Program provides academy-style workouts, mentoring, and preparation for future recruits.
Sessions are offered at multiple Southern California locations, including:
- Ahmanson Recruit Training Center
- LAPD Academy at Elysian Park
- Devonshire Police Station
- Mt. San Antonio College
Applicants who have passed the written examination can participate free of charge.
What This Means for California Job Seekers
Law enforcement agencies throughout California continue to compete for qualified recruits, while Los Angeles prepares for several international events over the next few years.
For people interested in a public safety career, joining the LAPD offers opportunities beyond patrol. The department says officers can pursue more than 250 specialized assignments, including detective work, K-9, SWAT, aviation, motorcycle units, and community policing after gaining experience.
For bilingual applicants, including many Spanish speakers, communication skills can also be valuable when serving Los Angeles’ diverse communities.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the LAPD recruitment website.
Prospective candidates can also track their application through the department’s myPD candidate portal, review testing calendars, and register for Candidate Advancement Program events before entering the academy.
Recruitment is expected to continue through the years leading up to the 2028 Olympics as Los Angeles works to strengthen public safety staffing.
Even as city leaders consider additional assistance from outside agencies during the Games, officials continue encouraging qualified Californians to apply and begin the hiring process now.
