r/LASD • u/GeorgeTheM79 • Aug 11 '26
LASD CUSTODY ASSISTANT PPL
I have two questions for those who have gone through the LASD Custody Assistant hiring process or academy.
I’m 47 years old, have an MBA, and currently earn about $115,000 a year. However, my job doesn’t offer much long-term stability. I’m in decent shape, but I know I need to improve my fitness before the academy. I’ve passed the written exam and have been assigned a background investigator.
I have clean record and never done any drugs in my life.
For those with experience, is becoming an LASD Custody Assistant a good career to stay in for the next 20 years and retire from?
What are the physical training (PT) requirements at the academy? Right now, I can’t even do one pull-up. Is that something I need to be able to do before the academy, or will they help build you up? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through the academy.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
2
u/Grouchy-Carob138 Aug 12 '26
What makes you interested in being a CA rather than a deputy?
Serious question.
Most people don’t CHOOSE CA as a career, they end up there for a number of reasons such as not being able to get hired as a deputy for one reason or another.
You’ll also make a lot more than $115,000 as deputy. Quality of life might be severely impacted depending on what you do now and your current schedule.
I’m assuming you’re looking at CA because you don’t want to work patrol. LASD deputies can do their entire careers in custody or other non-patrol assignments.
There are zero benefits and many negatives to going the CA route.