How to Apply
Here’s the step-by-step instructions on how to apply to our police orientation preparation program.
- Read the POPP requirements to ensure you meet the admittance qualifications.
- Decide if you want admittance to POPP@ARTC (Los Angeles) or POPP@LAVC (San Fernando Valley)
- Launch the POPP application for the location you chose and gather all the required materials, including scanned copies of your transcripts and letters of recommendation.
- Submit your completed application. We will notify applicants on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Requirements
The following are the requirements to apply for the peace officer program:
- Either have completed high school diploma or currently enrolled in 12th grade and on track to graduate.
- Have completed the free application to the LA Community College District and have a nine-digit LACCD student ID number.
- Possess a genuine interest in pursuing a career in public service and contributing to the public good.
- Have no felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions that would disqualify you from becoming a peace officer in California.
- Be willing to undergo a background check, interview, and physical fitness test.
- Commit to attending a mandatory orientation session.
Additional requirements will entail:
- Providing contact information of a teacher or academic counselor who would support your application.
- Providing contact information from a law enforcement officer, firefighter, first responder, or another official who can vouch for your character and commitment to the profession.
- Providing copies of your school transcripts.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Application
Q: Do I need to have an interest in law enforcement / first response to apply to POPP?
A: Yes. All applicants must have clear aspirations to pursue a career in law enforcement and as a first responder.
Q: Do I need to be/become an LA Community College District student to apply to POPP?
A: Yes. POPP is an LACCD program. If you are already an active LACCD student, you’re all set, but if you are not an LACCD student with an active 9-digit student ID number, you must complete the free application to become a West LA College student. Be sure to apply for the summer semester of the year you would begin at POPP.
Q: Do I need to be prepared to keep and maintain physical fitness standards?
A: Yes. As with the LAPD recruit academy, physical training is a part of the POPP application process and the daily POPP schedule. All POPP students perform physical training every day, and all applicants must meet LAPD physical fitness standards at POPP.
Q: Do I need to be affiliated with a law enforcement or firefighting agency before applying to POPP?
A: While it is recommended to be affiliated with a law enforcement or firefighting agency before applying to POPP, it is not required. However, at least one recommendation for each applicant should come from a representative of a law enforcement or first responder agency.
Q: If I am still in high school, do I need to be on track to graduate to apply to POPP?
A: Yes. We do not provide credit recovery at POPP, so all students applying as high school seniors must be on track to graduate. Everyone applying to POPP must also provide copies of their high school and college transcripts.