WHY LA VERNE PD?
Join Our Team
The La Verne Police Department is more than just a workplace—it’s a team dedicated to serving with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. We take pride in our commitment to innovation, continuous training, and modern policing strategies. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for a new challenge, LVPD offers a supportive and dynamic environment where you can grow, make a difference, and be part of something bigger.
Culture
We are a tight-knit team that values teamwork, professionalism, innovation and service. LVPD fosters a culture of respect, accountability, and continuous improvement, where every member is supported in their personal and professional growth. We believe in leading with integrity, adapting to modern policing needs, and maintaining a workplace where our team members are proud to serve.
Community
La Verne is a city that truly backs its police department. Our officers benefit from strong community relationships built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Through active partnerships, community outreach, and engagement programs, our residents and businesses work hand-in-hand with us to keep La Verne a safe and welcoming place for all.
Opportunity
At LVPD, your career path is yours to build. We offer specialized assignments such as Investigations, K9, School Resource Officer, Traffic, and FSET, along with leadership development opportunities that help our team members advance in rank and responsibility. We invest in our officers through ongoing training, mentorship, and promotional pathways, ensuring that hard work and dedication are rewarded.
Impact
If you’re looking for a career with purpose in a department that values its people, its community, and its future — La Verne PD is the place for you. Join us and be part of a department that is shaping the future of law enforcement while making a real impact every day.
Earn the Badge. Serve with Honor.
At the La Verne Police Department, wearing the badge is more than a job—it’s a privilege earned through dedication, integrity, and commitment to service. Law enforcement demands the highest standards, and our hiring process reflects that responsibility. We seek those who embody professionalism, resilience, and a strong desire to make a difference.
Our mission is built on three core values:
Safety – Protecting our community with vigilance and professionalism.
Community – Strengthening trust through meaningful relationships and engagement.
Service – Answering the call with integrity, compassion, and dedication.
Becoming part of La Verne Police Department isn’t for everyone, but for those who rise to the challenge, it’s more than just a career—it’s an opportunity to serve a supportive community, work alongside a team that feels like family, and uphold a legacy of excellence. If you have what it takes, step forward, earn the badge, and serve with honor.
*Annual salary is based on education and experience.
104
First Year
Vacation Hours
$108,711
Top Step
Officer Pay
$1,000
Annual
Uniform Allowance
7%-12%
Annual
Education Pay: % Based on Salary
Your Success Starts Here.
The resources on this page are designed to help you navigate the hiring process and give you the best chance at success. We’re committed to helping you prepare, perform, and excel every step of the way.
Apply
Start Your Journey Here.
Before applying, ensure you meet the qualifications for the position you’re interested in. You can find these requirements on our Available Positions page. If you qualify, take the next step and submit your online application.
Written Exam & Agility Test
Candidates may be invited to take a written exam, a physical agility test, or both, depending on the position.
The written exam evaluates spelling, grammar, reading comprehension, math, map reading skills, and memory recall. The physical agility test assesses strength and endurance, requiring candidates to complete a timed obstacle course, a 165-pound dummy drag, and a 500 yard run.
Interview & Personal History Statement
Candidates who pass the physical agility test may be invited to an oral interview. This is your opportunity to showcase who you are, your goals, and how you think through various scenarios. Be prepared, professional, and ready to make a strong impression.
If you advance further in the process, you will complete a detailed personal history statement (Personal History Statement PDF) covering your education, credit history, relationships, employment, and business dealings. This step helps ensure candidates meet the high standards required to serve with the La Verne Police Department.
Background Investigation & Polygraph Exam
A background investigator will thoroughly review the information provided in your personal history statement, conducting criminal and credit checks to verify its accuracy. The investigator will also speak with family members, neighbors, former employers, and others who know you to gain a better understanding of your character and background.
Candidates will also undergo a polygraph exam to confirm the information provided in the personal history statement. This process ensures that all applicants meet the integrity and professionalism expected at the La Verne Police Department.
Psychological & Medical Evaluation
Candidates will complete a written psychological assessment followed by an in-depth interview with a psychologist to evaluate their ability to handle the demands of a law enforcement career.
A comprehensive medical examination will also be conducted to ensure candidates meet the physical health requirements necessary to serve with the La Verne Police Department and protect the community effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about the hiring process, physical agility test, oral interview, and more.
How Can I Prepare For The Written Examination?
The POST PELLET B written exam consists of approximately 100 questions assessing reading comprehension, writing ability, and logical reasoning. Strong skills in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and English comprehension are essential for success.
To prepare, practice reading articles, magazines, and books, then test your recall and understanding later in the day. Improve your writing skills by composing responses without relying on spell-check or electronic assistance.
There are many online resources available to help strengthen these skills, so take advantage of study materials to ensure you are fully prepared.
Why Is Spelling and Grammar Important?
In law enforcement, every action taken must be accurately documented. Reports are reviewed by fellow officers, supervisors, attorneys, judges, and all parties involved in a case. In some instances, they may also be released to the public.
Your writing reflects both your credibility and the professionalism of the department. Even minor errors can cast doubt on the accuracy of an investigation or arrest. Clear, precise, and error-free documentation ensures that your work is taken seriously and stands up to legal and public scrutiny.
What Should I Wear Or Look Like For My Testing?
Throughout the hiring process, applicants are continuously evaluated. From the moment you submit paperwork to each stage of testing, your appearance and professionalism are taken into account.
Maintain good hygiene and ensure your hair is neat and professional. Clean, professional business attire is expected whenever you appear for testing or interviews, except for the physical agility test, where appropriate athletic clothing should be worn.
For the oral interview, wear a well-fitted suit with polished shoes. Avoid overly bold ties, distracting colors, or unnecessary accessories that could take attention away from your presentation. Your appearance should reflect the professionalism expected of a La Verne Police Department officer.
Do Traffic Tickets Affect My Ability To Get Hired?
A single traffic ticket may not impact your hiring process, but a history of repeated violations can raise concerns. A pattern of traffic infractions may reflect on your responsibility and decision-making, which are critical traits for a La Verne Police Department officer. Maintaining a clean driving record demonstrates accountability and good judgment.
How Does a candidate get disqualified?
General Disqualifications
- Incomplete, false, or illegible Personal History Statement
- Falsification and/or omission of any requested information
- Rude, belligerent, or otherwise unacceptable behavior towards staff
- Untruthfulness to staff
- Knowingly remaining in place where illegal drugs were used/sold
- Prior arrests and convictions
- Felony probation/parole
- DUI conviction(s)
- License suspension(s)
- Traffic accident(s)/citations(s)
- Poor employment or education history/performance (i.e. continual firing, poor
grades/performance reviews) - Financial concerns (i.e. bankruptcies/collection accounts/failure to pay child support,
etc.)
Medical and Psychological Disqualifications
- Failure to meet the standards as determined by the department psychologist (written and
oral interview) - Failure to meet the standards for the position as determined by the department physician
Polygraph Disqualifications
- Continued responses indicating deception on questions asked
- Failure to appear for the exam without notification or refusal to complete the exam
- Attempts to defeat the machine (i.e., holding breath, hyperventilating, or taking
drugs/alcohol before testing) - Withholding information from polygraph examiner
- Admissions to conduct deemed unacceptable by Department or POST standards
- Information uncovered by examiner which deviates from the information provided to
background investigation
How Can I Prepare For The Physical Agility?
The physical agility test is designed to assess how your body performs under high-intensity, short-duration movements. Strength training alone is not enough to prepare your muscles, joints, and tendons for the demands of the test.
Incorporating functional fitness workouts such as bootcamp training, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), or CrossFit-style routines can help improve your agility, endurance, and overall physical readiness. Additionally, you should be able to run several miles at a steady pace to build the cardiovascular endurance needed for the test.
Is Social Media Activity Reviewed?
As part of the background investigation process, your social media activity may be reviewed to gain insight into your character, judgment, and interactions with others.
We look at factors such as how you engage with others online, whether you display professionalism and respect, and the overall image you present. Hostile or inappropriate behavior, including bullying or confrontational interactions, may raise concerns.
Social media reflects personal values and decision-making, both of which are essential in law enforcement. Candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and a positive presence online will be viewed more favorably during the hiring process.
Will Credit Issues Affect My Hiring Process?
Your credit history can reflect responsibility, decision-making, and reliability in meeting obligations. However, we understand that life circumstances such as divorce, medical emergencies, or other financial hardships can impact credit.
During the background investigation, credit issues are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We consider the circumstances, patterns, and efforts made to resolve financial difficulties rather than focusing solely on credit scores. Transparency and accountability are key factors in this review process.
What Are The Top Reasons People Fail The Process?
There are a number of reasons why people fail, but the top reasons are typical:
Dishonesty – Either omitting or failing to disclose anything on paperwork or verbally will always cause a disqualification.
Attention To Detail – Not fully completing paperwork or caring about personal appearance.
Not Meeting Obligations – Arriving late or forgetting appointments.
Lack Of Soft Skills – Unable to shake hands, make eye contact or finish a sentence.
What Should I know For The Oral Interview?
During the interview, we’re going to ask questions about you as a person, as well as questions pertaining to why you want to work for us, and the skills you possess.
We’re also going to see how well you have prepared, and your specific desire to work at the La Verne Police Department. What do you know about our department? Who is our leadership team? What’s the population, square mileage, and ethnicity of our community?
The interview panel will also be looking at your attire, your hygiene, and how you handle yourself in the interview. Are you confident or reserved? Are you arrogant or militant? Can you speak confidently, or are you scared and intimidated?