Pride, tradition, service to the community - an LAPD career - los beneficios de juntarse con el Departamento Policiaca de Los Angeles - TA: the benefits of joining the Los Angeles Police Department

Hispanic Times Magazine, Dec, 1996

The Los Angeles Police Department is currently hiring over 1,000 officers a year. Perhaps it's not a career that you have considered. But if you think about it, who would be better at serving the public with dignity and respect? The City of Los Angeles prides itself on being a community of diverse ethnic and cultural heritages. The Los Angeles Police Department is dedicated to reflecting this diversity in its ranks, and seeks to hire individuals from all backgrounds. The LAPD especially encourages women to apply for its Police Officer positions. The LAPD is noted for its superior training and preparation of its officers, and women officers on the LAPD have demonstrated their skills in all areas of police work.

And what does the LAPD career offer in return for your hard work and dedication? Officer Karen Zuniga has worked in a number of assignments and says that while working as a Community Relations Officer she saw the results of the partnership between the community and the LAPD. "I've met good people I never would have known otherwise," says Karen. And by working with officers, the community can "see another side of officers," getting to know them as people. These kinds of contacts are valuable in making the community a safer place, and can encourage people to consider a law enforcement career. "I joined the Department to make my parents proud of me and to help people," says Karen. "I've done both." And there are many other rewards and challenges to be found in an LAPD career.

Detective Carla Zuniga, who has been a member of the Department for nine years, decided early in her college career that she wanted to be a police officer. She went on to get a degree in criminal justice and is now a Dectective involved in the investigation of narcotics related crime. Carla had family on the LAPD; an uncle was an LAPD Sergeant. Carla stated that the LAPD is the best Department, especially for the career opportunities that are available. Carla says her promotion to Detective was a high point in her career. "It shows that hard work pays off," and "gives me more incentive to continue to promote." She believes that community support and participation is important to the officers and to the Department. Members of the community should also encourage qualified individuals to investigate the LAPD career, says Carla, because "we need to expand all races, cultures, and genders as officers on the Department."

As you may have guessed, Karen and Carla are related; they are sisters-in-law. They are married to Officers Jesse and Pete Zuniga. And this LAPD family also counts Officer Fernando Zuniga in its ranks. Between them they have found careers which offer the Opportunity to Serve the Community, Variety in their Assignments, and a Chance to Use their Skills and Background to Better Serve the citizens of Los Angeles. And, the Los Angeles Police Department may be exactly the right choice for you.

What are the minimum requirements? You must be at least 20 1/2 years of age; be a US citizen or have applied for citizenship; have a US high school diploma or GED equivalent (and there are financial benefits for additional education and experience); no felony convictions; and be in good health with your height proportionate to your weight.

And once you begin your academy training, you begin to earn your full salary. The Average Annual Starting Salary is $36,900, With full benefits. Bilingual pay is available in some assignments. And the LAPD does a number of things to help the candidate get ready for their pursuit of an LAPD career. Physical Training Preparation Classes are taught by LAPD personnel twice a week. And two times each month, oral interview seminars are offered. For more information, call (213) 847-LAPD.

REMEMBER -- DON'T WAIT TOO LONG -- GOOD CAREERS, LIKE GOOD PEOPLE, ARE IN DEMAND.