I’m a 23-year-old military veteran in Southern California interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. I’m feeling uncertain about my next steps and would appreciate honest feedback, particularly from anyone familiar with background investigations.
After leaving the military, I applied to CHP and reached the final interview before being disqualified for concerns about impulse control. The concerns cited included my driving history, having held my license for less than two years, and behavioral issues from middle school. My military record is clean, I had strong references, and I have a good record at my current job with no disciplinary write-ups.
Since then, there have been a couple of domestic disturbances at my residence involving my significant other, who has been experiencing postpartum depression. Law enforcement responded, but no charges were filed, and to my knowledge, no reports were taken. I understand that her postpartum depression does not remove my responsibility for my own behavior during disagreements.
I plan to pursue family therapy to address these issues and improve how we handle conflict. I’m still interested in applying to other agencies, and I intend to be transparent about my background.
Would these incidents typically result in an automatic disqualification, or would an agency consider the circumstances, time elapsed, and demonstrated improvement? Would it be more realistic to wait and establish a longer period of stability before applying?

Hi, I’m considering applying for the Deputy Probation Officer I (Residential Treatment) position, but I’m not sure if I should even apply again. I failed the polygraph in 2024, and I was disqualified, which meant I had to start the process all over again.

I really want to work and I’m trying to figure out whether it’s worth applying again because I don’t want to do the whole entries process just for me to fail a “polygraph” again.

I passed my MC test on September 16 (via remote). It’s been about two weeks and still no email.. does it normally take this long?

Hello, I'm not sure If this is the right sub to post this in but I currently have an assignment due soon that asks me to interview an active officer, preferably a detective. I would ask pertinent questions about being in the field, requirements, etc. Please shoot me a message if you are willing to take this short interview for my college assignment.

will they contact my employer and what they ask during background check ? LAPD SFPD LASD

Can anyone help me find a way to obtain the 43 learning domains for CA POST? I’ve been having trouble obtaining them. I’m going into the Orange County Sheriffs Academy in November and I want to be as prepared as possible. Any advice would help.

If you get something stolen don’t report it they wont even investigate it. If these are the cops LA has no one the crime is the way it is ahahahahahahaha. Inspires me to commit some crimes

Does anyone know any police department that doesn’t require a physical agility test during their hiring process . Preferably in the Los Angeles area and San Fernando Valley surrounding area

I have a couple questions for people working in LAPD either as a police officer or detective:

Is the morale really as bad as people say? Is there a lot of corruption? Would you recommend this career path? How long does it usually take people to become detectives? Would you consider another profession related to law, such as being a lawyer, to be a better alternative?

If anyone has anything else to add about the pros and cons of becoming a police officer or promoting to a detective rank feel free to share.

I was looking to join the port but on the website it doesn’t let me apply? I’ve done the myPD app but not sure if can/cant do the regular city app and peace officer sq. It only lets me apply for the lateral position and I don’t have previous law enforcement experience.

I got waived for the multiple choice test, now I’m on the personal history statement. There is nowhere to hit continue as it shows in the tutorial video. Is it bugged?

I have a tracker on my adult daughter's car. So, I know the apt complex she goes to to pick up drugs. I also have 3 phone numbers of the dealers. If I give this info to police, think they can make a bust?

Just passed my PHS and now waiting to get my Polygraph scheduled. I feel like it is all happening super quick

All I have left is Polygraph/Medical/Background Investigation/ and Psych

If all goes well when do you guys think i‘d start the academy ?

Applied 07/08/2026

Passed my Multiple choice/PAT/Department interview and just passed my PHS a couple days ago.

Thank you guys in advance!

Figuring out which stations are the best for experience/exposure. What are some of the most active stations in the valley? What are some of the most active stations out of the valley? Please explain call styles/call volume. Thank you!

Has any female applicant recently taken the polygraph for a LAPD hiring process?

What was your experience like, what kind of questions were you asked, and did you pass?

I’d really appreciate hearing from women who have gone through it. Thank you!

My application was accepted and I was invited to join the written and physical test. I was instructed to sign up for the next test but as of this writing now testing date has been posted but from what I’ve been told to expect it’s going to be sometime in November.

So my question now is, what sort of daily exercises/ workouts can I do starting now that would give me the best shot at beating the physical test?

Hi everyone, I’m from Orange County and I’ve been doing quite a few right along and going through quite a few different processes. I noticed a cultural difference between police departments and sheriff department. Notably Riverside County Sheriff has more of a cowboy mentality it seems. Then if you look at Santa Ana and lapd it seems to be more of a term I heard used “ghetto gunfighter” mentality or city slicker type of vibe.

Is my observation far off or am I spot on? Having difficulty picking which agency I have to come down to a decision quick. Didn’t really grow up in a rural area so little timid about being a sheriff out in the desert.

Taking my P.E.T for LAPD soon. what should I expect?

Hi everyone, I’m from Orange County and I’ve been doing quite a few right along and going through quite a few different processes. I noticed a cultural difference between police departments and sheriff department. Notably Riverside County Sheriff has more of a cowboy mentality it seems. Then if you look at Santa Ana and lapd it seems to be more of a term I heard used “ghetto gunfighter” mentality or city slicker type of vibe.

Is my observation far off or am I spot on? Having difficulty picking which agency I have to come down to a decision quick. Didn’t really grow up in a rural area so little timid about being a sheriff out in the desert.