Classification Structure - LAPD Online (2023)

police officer

Police officers make up the largest number of sworn officers in the department. The police post is divided into three salary levels: police officer I, II and III. A Constable I is a probationary officer who is automatically promoted to Constable II upon successful completion of his probationary period. A police officer may be assigned to a foot patrol, black and white patrol, bicycle patrol, mounted unit, motorcycle two-wheeler, or a special unit such as S.W.A.T. or K-9 unit. When a police officer recruits the Police Academy graduates, he is usually assigned to a geographic patrol division within the city and is considered a probationary officer and is placed under the supervision of a senior officer, usually a Police Officer III with field training. Officially. A prospective officer assigned to a patrol unit performs basic functions such as:

Deployment at the scene of a crime or accident
Interview suspects, witnesses.
write crime reports
Answer radio calls
Monitoring of all suspicious ongoing criminal activities
Vehicle traffic coordination.
Visit open businesses like banks, markets, department stores, gas stations and more to build a relationship with the owners.
Book suspects and evidence and transport them to the appropriate police department facilities
Answer questions from citizens and visitors
Preparation of daily reports on field activities
Attend and coordinate neighborhood watch meetings.
Conduct numerous other activities in support of the community policing philosophy

A police officer assigned to a specialized department or as a desk officer performs all of the above functions in addition to the duties unique to those specialized departments. For example, an officer may be assigned to the Juvenile Narcotics Division to conduct undercover drug investigations or patrol schools to monitor criminal activity and liaise with school officials. In addition, a police officer may be assigned to a two-wheeler vehicle to enforce traffic rules, investigate traffic accidents, summon traffic violators, appear in court, search for drug or alcohol-influenced drivers, and maintain order in congested areas. A police officer may also serve as a helicopter pilot or observer in the Air Support Division and provide support to ground units.

An officer II or III may also serve as an assistant investigator, police academy instructor, detective intern, legislative officer, media coordinator, field worker, recruiting officer, driver safety assistant to the police chief, and city mayor. City, senior principal officer, unusual events planner, or many other positions within the police department. The opportunities available to a police officer within the LAPD are so varied that they are too numerous to list on this website.

police detective

The police detective class title within the police department is associated with specialized criminal investigation duties. There are currently three categories of detectives in the Police Department: Detective I, II and III. Detectives II and III are supervisory positions and are responsible for training and supervising the activities of Detectives I and police officers. A detective is typically assigned to a specialty department and is responsible for responding to crime scenes, conducting preliminary and follow-up investigations, preparing required investigative reports, preparing a biopsy report, apprehending the suspect, preparing the case for a successful prosecution, and the testimony in court. Occasionally, a detective will travel to other parts of the country or abroad to extradite suspects wanted for crimes committed in the city of Los Angeles. In this capacity, a detective works with international law enforcement agencies.

Specialty detective functions include: conducting drug investigations, monitoring and establishing and maintaining contacts with informants; investigating crimes related to gangs; Responding to and investigating crime scenes such as murder, theft, burglary, auto theft, illegal sexual activity; and crimes committed by minors. In addition, a detective may perform judicial liaison duties; act as watch commander; providing expertise in electronic devices for conducting surveillance and polygraph examinations; investigations into applicants and companies that have applied for licenses to operate from the Police Commission; investigate cases of child abuse; testify in court as an expert; and to conduct investigations into crimes committed by gangs of foreign origin.

A Detective III is responsible for the duties outlined above, in addition to acting as a lead in high-profile cases of theft, fraud, and murder. A Detective III reviews reports prepared by subordinates, reports to the commanding officer on the status of pending investigations, provides technical expertise, trains and supervises newly assigned detectives and civilian personnel, and performs related administrative functions.

police officer

The Police Sergeant class title within the police department is assigned to the geographic divisions, specialty divisions, and patrol administrative units within those divisions. The Sergeant class title is divided into two tiers: Sergeant I and II, with the rank of Sergeant II performing higher and more complex functions. When assigned to a patrol role, the sergeant may be a watch commander or deputy watch commander while on duty. In this role, the Sergeant prepares the daily car schedule assignments; prepares and conducts on-demand training; inspects personnel and equipment for compliance with department standards; supervises table, foot and vehicle patrol officers; reviews and approves various types of reports; prepares and investigates employee complaints; responds to crime scenes at the request of law enforcement officials; handles radio calls and personal dispatch; informs superiors about matters affecting them; trains and supervises inspectors; and perform related functions.

Police sergeants assigned to specialized departments perform specific functions for those departments. A police sergeant may be assigned to one of the following specialty departments: Air Support, Personnel, Commission Investigations, Communications, Public Affairs, Juveniles, Narcotics, Deputy, Prison, Human Trafficking, Judicial Liaison, Community Relations, Training, Legal Affairs, Mounted or K-9 Unit , S.W.A.T. unit, etc. In addition to performing some or all of the roles described above, a police sergeant assigned to one of these specialized departments offers knowledge, expertise and experience unique to the day-to-day operations of those departments. B. Unusual situations that may arise in the course of law enforcement operations. For example, a police sergeant assigned to the Air Support Division might operate a helicopter, conduct aerial surveillance, supervise and train other pilots, and liaise with the Federal Aviation Administration for FAA compliance. A police sergeant assigned to a mounted or K-9 unit may be required to have knowledge and training related to the use of a horse or dog in law enforcement operations. The qualifications required of a police sergeant for assignment to a specialty department are subject to change based on changes in department policies and procedures.

police lieutenant

The rank of Police Lieutenant within the Police Department is a civil servant responsible for various police and administrative functions and is divided into two ranks: Lieutenant I and II.

Lieutenants I are typically deployed as guard commanders or administrative lieutenants at the geographic area level.

The II Lieutenant may assist detective division commanders or serve as department officers in charge for various specialized units throughout the department. Assigned to the patrol and detective geographic divisions, the lieutenant is responsible for overseeing patrol sergeants, law enforcement officers, and detectives performing routine investigative and law enforcement functions.

In this capacity, the lieutenant is an assistant to the captain and acts as commander in his absence. In particular, the lieutenant ensures an appropriate and sufficient deployment of officers in view of the development of crime in his geographical area; Responds to severe crime scenes, such as B. Shootings involving the police, murder, robbery and theft; reviews and ensures full and accurate follow-up investigations; and keeps the Captain under his command informed of matters of interest. In addition, the lieutenant performs administrative functions, e.g. B. Reviewing incoming correspondence and responding to departmental units, external agencies, and citizens. supervisor's daily activity reports; and reports of accidents and crimes.

The lieutenant provides adequate and timely training for subordinates; Inspection of personnel, equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with department policies and procedures; conducts interviews of sworn and civilian personnel; participates in community meetings to promote department goals and missions and community safety programs; teaches at the police academy; and perform other related functions.

Lieutenants assigned to specialized departments perform tasks unique to each department such as fighting crime and S.W.A.T. Depending on the division of tasks, each lieutenant supervises the activities of his subordinates; coordinates specialized training and ensures adequate stocks of supplies and tactical equipment; maintains liaison with relevant departmental bodies; acts as a crime scene leader; and reviews and completes all reports for the Captain's approval.

police captain

The police captain is assigned to geographic areas, detective departments, and special departments within the police agency. The class designation of a police captain is divided into three salary advances: Captain I, II and III. Each higher level of police captain takes on more complex and difficult responsibilities within their job. As commander of a patrol or detective department, the captain is responsible for the following duties: inspecting and supervising patrol and detective duties to ensure compliance with the department's policies, procedures, regulations and rules; oversee non-sworn administrative and support functions; review personnel, facilities and tactics for security and/or training needs; Liaison with various community, state, civil society and private organizations to establish and maintain relationships to facilitate department functions and promote neighborhood safety and community policing programs.

In addition to performing the above roles, Captains assigned to specialized departments such as Narcotics, Organized Crime & Vice, Robbery/Homicide, Child Protection, Auto Theft/Theft, Financial Crime, Air Support, and Transportation are responsible for unique, distinctive roles... of each department.

In addition, a captain handles administrative tasks such as reviewing correspondence, budget requests, and activity reports; interview and hire sworn and officers for your department; act as a service provider (out of hours); give classes at the police academy; and assume the functions of police commander in his absence.

police commander

The Police Commander serves as Deputy Commander in the four Geographic Offices and the Office of Operations Headquarters. They serve as commanders for community affairs, uniform services, detective services, youth services, criminal intelligence, personnel, training, internal affairs, administrative and transport groups. Each of these groups is divided into more specialized divisions, such as B. Narcotics, Organized Crime and Addiction, Counter-Terrorism, Robbery/Theft Auto, Close Air Support, Law Enforcement, Labor Relations and Robbery/Homicide. Each division is under the command of a police captain. In addition, personnel with the rank of commander hold positions such as ombudsman, government liaison, employee relations manager and department head; a staff-level officer tasked with overseeing night operations across the city.

The commander's duties depend on his assignment to a specific position and may include: supervising and directing the activities of patrols in geographic areas; coordinating investigative efforts by detectives within the city; and exercise functional supervision over officers involved in traffic control functions. In addition, the commander liaises with citizen leaders and community groups in his geographic offices to further the goals and mission of the police department, advance neighborhood watch safety programs, and generate citizen input to build mutual trust between officers and the community. 🇧🇷 Likewise, the commander is responsible for ensuring compliance with department policies and procedures by personnel under his or her supervision; conducting company audits; and make recommendations to senior management to improve productivity and increase efficiency. In addition, the commanding officer may act as the chief's duty officer in his spare time or as the deputy chief in his absence and perform duties designated by the chief of police.

Police Commanders advance from the rank of Police Captain.

deputy chief of police

The deputy chief of police is the second highest rank in the police department and reports directly to the chief of police. The Deputy Chief may be promoted from the rank of Captain or Commander.

The deputy head is appointed to command the main components of the organization, such as: B. Offices of Geographical Operations, Offices of Investigations, Office of Human Resources, Office of Internal Affairs or as Chief of Staff. In addition to post-specific functions, the Deputy Chief of Police may, in his/her absence, assume the functions of Chief of Police and, in that capacity, perform related functions.

In particular, the Deputy Chief oversees and directs the activities of the designated rangers in his office. Detectives investigating crimes across the city, such as murder, theft, auto theft, forgery, conspiracy, and fraud; officers assigned to traffic enforcement and accident investigation; Personnel responsible for all recruitment, promotion, training, deployment, screening and record-keeping operations. In addition, the vice president represents the department at community and business meetings to further the mission and goals of the department and to build mutual trust between the community and the department. In addition, the Deputy Chief of Police acts as the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Chief of Police and keeps the Chief of Police informed of all day-to-day operational activities.

Chief of Police (COP)

The Chief of Police (COP) is the most senior officer in the Police Department. As General Manager of the Police Department, the COP is responsible for the planning, efficient administration and operation of the Police Department, under the supervision of the Board of Police Commissioners. In this capacity, the COP directs, plans, and coordinates the enforcement of criminal divisions, city statutes, local ordinances, and state and national laws to protect people and property and maintain community peace. The COP is responsible for testifying before the City Council, state and national legislatures on law enforcement matters of concern to the City of Los Angeles. and propose new legislation or amend existing legislation that may affect law enforcement.

The COP attends Police Commission meetings to update the Commission on all matters related to the work of the department and to respond to citizen complaints or concerns. In addition, the COP acts in all disciplinary matters and recommends awards for exemplary behavior for sworn officers and officials of the department. In addition, the COP makes presentations to private civic communities, religious organizations, schools, and the business and industrial community to promote the goals and mission of the Police Department and solicit their contribution to making the City of Los Angeles a safe place. be, live, visit and do business. During a state of emergency such as In situations such as civil unrest in the city, the COP takes a leadership role in planning, coordinating and directing all activities aimed at restoring peace to the city or returning conditions to normal.

The COP has jurisdiction within the City of Los Angeles and has authority over sworn and civilian officers. The official duties of the COP are described in Articles 80, 87, 200 and 201 of the City Code.

The COP is normally selected from among the Deputy Chief of Police and must have a university degree and at least 12 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience. The COP is appointed by the Mayor and must be approved by the Police Commission and City Council. The COP can serve a maximum of two terms of five years.