LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today announced that the Los Angeles Police Department received more than 1,200 applications to join the department in January, a two-year high in the number of applicants. The department is also reporting significant increases in the number of qualification exams administered and the number of candidates participating in the Candidate Assistance Program, which provides support to eligible applicants navigating the hiring process. The increase in applications and interest in being hired within the department follows Mayor Bass’ focus on recruiting and retaining officers to the police department. Violent crime and homicides were down during the Mayor’s first year in office compared to the year prior.
“We are continuing our work to make Los Angeles’ neighborhoods safer as more and more applicants are expressing interest in serving our communities,” said Mayor Bass. “It’s good to see trends evolving as we continue to focus on recruiting and retaining officers to the department.”
“Public Safety jobs are the highest calling in public service and I am optimistic regarding this surge in interest in protecting and serving the people of Los Angeles,” said Dr. Erroll G. Southers, President of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners.
Last year, the Mayor and City Council approved a multi-year contract with the union representing police officers, sergeants, detectives, and lieutenants at the Los Angeles Police Department to improve recruitment and retention. At the time of the agreement, LAPD was expected to lose hundreds of officers in the coming year due to retirements and resignations. Since 2017, 430 LAPD officers have left the force during their first year and a half of duty. A significant number of officers join other agencies before serving for 10 years. This contract was designed to help address these challenges.
Today’s announcement comes while Mayor Bass is leading an international delegation to generate business development and learn from innovative housing, green transportation and infrastructure projects to prepare Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is investing in a comprehensive strategy to keep Angelenos safe by confronting and preventing crime.