AIRPORT POLICE OFFICER (Revised 08/06/25)

Airport Police Officer

Annual salary: $87,257- $120,832

Salary range applies to Airport Police Officer I & II. The current starting salary is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

An Airport Police Officer is a sworn peace officer, authorized to carry a firearm who enforces federal and state regulations, City of Los Angeles ordinances, and security, traffic, and safety rules and regulations; engages in law enforcement activities, including uniformed foot, vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle patrol and plainclothes assignments, arrest, and report writing at Los Angeles World Airports; provides information to the public regarding locations and operations of the Department; and does related work.

Requirement(s)/Minimum Qualification(s)

• At least 20 years of age at the time of application and 21 years of age by police academy graduation.
• Graduation from a U.S. high school, G.E.D. or equivalent from a U.S. institution, or a California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) certificate is required. A two or four year college degree from an accredited U.S. or foreign institution may be substituted for the high school requirements. Documentation demonstrating that the institution is accredited must be submitted prior to taking the written test.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

A valid Class C driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required at the time of appointment. Applicants will be disqualified and not eligible for hire if their DMV record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI.

Selection Process

The examination will consist of a qualifying multiple-choice test, a qualifying Personal History Statement, and an interview. The qualifying multiple-choice test will evaluate factors including spelling, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and clarity. Your passing score does not expire. The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection.

All candidates who receive a passing score on the Multiple-Choice Test will be invited to submit a Personal History Statement. The Personal History Statement is a preliminary background investigation, which requires compilation of extensive biographical information.

Candidates who pass the Personal History Statement will be invited for an Interview. In the interview, the following competencies may be evaluated: Personal Accomplishment; Job Motivation; Community Involvement/Awareness; Problem Solving Skills; Interpersonal Skills; and Oral Communication Skills. Your interview score will determine your rank on the eligible list. Your passing score will expire after 2 years. The interview will be conducted on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line interview will be able to join from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection.

FAQs for on-line testing are available at Only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.

The selection process includes a background investigation, physical fitness qualifier, medical evaluation, and psychological evaluation. Candidates must be in excellent health, with no conditions that would restrict their ability to safely perform the work of an Airport Police Officer. Your weight (body fat content) must be appropriate for height and build and you should be in excellent physical condition. Your uncorrected distance vision must not exceed 20/70 in either eye and the best eye must be at least 20/40 and wearing eyeglasses you must have corrected vision to 20/30 in each eye. If soft contact lenses are worn, they must have been worn for at least one month and vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye tested wearing the contact lenses and there is no uncorrected distant vision requirement. If a LASIK procedure (refractive surgery) was performed, vision must be at least 20/30 in each eye. In addition, candidates must be able to accurately and quickly name colors, and must be free from other visual impairments that would restrict the ability to perform law enforcement duties.

Because this class has been designated as safety sensitive, in accordance with City Policy, substance-screening tests may be required prior to appointment.

Before you can be hired as an Airport Police Officer, you must successfully complete all required steps. You will be required to attend a six-month, 40-hour per week training and orientation program, during which you will receive full pay. Employees will receive regular appointments to the class of Airport Police Officer and will begin an eighteen-month probationary period, during which time employees must successfully complete a comprehensive training program including a basic police recruit school approved by POST; a Field Training Program; and any other training required by law or the Department.

Among the excellent benefits provided are annual paid vacations, holidays, medical and dental plans, sick leave, and a retirement system.