Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic recruitment requirements?
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, possess a U.S. high school diploma or GED, have a valid CA driver’s license, and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien who has applied for citizenship.
What is the typical application timeline?
The entire hiring process generally takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the volume of applicants and the depth of the background investigation phase.
Do I need prior law enforcement experience?
No, the La Habra Police Department accepts applications for personnel with no prior law enforcement experience. We provide full training through a P.O.S.T. certified academy. We also welcome applications from lateral officers currently employed by other agencies. For more information regarding lateral applications refer to our city jobs page for detailed information regarding potential openings.
What does the background investigation include?
It is a thorough check of your employment history, criminal record, driving record, credit history, and personal references. Honesty and integrity are paramout throughout this phase.
Are there physical fitness standards?
Yes, all candidates must pass a Physical Agility Test (PAT) which includes components such as a 1.5-mile run, obstacle course, and dummy drag to ensure physical readiness for duty. For more information regarding the PAT refer to the hiring process page for more information regarding our physical fitness standards.