By Joanna Putman
Police1
LOS ANGELES — While more candidates have applied for positions with the Los Angeles Police Department this year, overall hiring has decreased by 8% since 2022 due to delays in background checks, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.
During a Board of Police Commissioners meeting, LAPD officials reported a 53% rise in applications from 2022 to 2024, a 150% increase in participation in candidate advancement programs and a 40% uptick in department interviews. However, background checks have decreased by 10%, and psychological evaluations are down 9%, stalling the hiring process.
Los Angeles has been working to strengthen LAPD’s ranks, which dropped below 9,000 officers last year, according to the report. In response, city leaders approved a new contract for officers ranked lieutenant and below, increasing salaries and offering additional benefits.
Interim Police Chief Dominic Choi said the department currently has 8,795 sworn officers and 2,623 civilian workers.
City officials are exploring whether the LAPD should handle its own hiring, a responsibility currently held by the city’s Personnel Department, according to the report. They are also looking into ways to streamline the process, citing concerns that candidates are being lost to other law enforcement agencies.
The board expects a status report on recruitment and hiring in 90 days.
