$3148 to $3910 - Higher salaries are paid for night work and bilingually authorized positions.

A Detention Officer is an unarmed civilian employee of the Police Department who processes arrestees, including booking, fingerprinting, and maintaining custody and control. All positions include duties which require the ability to type using an electric typewriter or computer keyboard.

The Realistic Job Preview (Click here) provides additional information regarding the duties and requirements of a Detention Officer. Copies of the Realistic Job Preview may be obtained online at http://www.lacity.org/PER/ and at all locations where City job applications are available.

THE REQUIREMENTS

1. Achievement of a passing score on the QUALIFYING WRITTEN TEST.
2. Submission of a completed PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND QUESTIONNAIRE (PBQ) Click Here.
3. Graduation from high school or the equivalent as established by the G.E.D. test is desired but not required.

APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON THE CITY APPLICATION FORM.
• In order to help you determine whether your background is suitable for the position of Detention Officer, you MUST complete a Preliminary Background Questionnaire (PBQ). PBQs are available online and at locations where City job applications are available. If any potential background issues are identified, you will be provided with feedback indicating the extent to which the issues may affect your candidacy.
• Prior to appointment a thorough and comprehensive Background Investigation will be conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department. The information provided in your PBQ will be referenced during this investigation. You must not have a history of criminal or improper conduct including any felony convictions. You must not have poor employment, military, or driving record which would affect your suitability for law enforcement work. You must have a responsible financial history with no past due or delinquent accounts. You must have displayed a pattern of respect and honesty in your dealings with individuals and organizations. You must be fingerprinted and have no disqualifying record of law violations or other improper conduct. Potentially disqualifying violations or conduct includes convictions for more than one minor offense within the past year.
• Candidates may be required to undergo a DRUG and ALCOHOL screening test based on City policy.
Applications may also be obtained on the internet at http://www.lacity.org/PER/. as well as at the following locations and times:
• Personnel Building, Room 100, 700 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (213) 847-9240 TDD (213) 847-9267;
• Constituent Service Center, 8475 South Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, on Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays only, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.;
• Van Nuys-North Sherman Oaks One-Stop, Suite 150, 15350 Sherman Way, Suite 150 Van Nuys, on Tuesdays only, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.;
• Cypress Park Community Center, 929 Cypress Avenue, Los Angeles, on Wednesdays only, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m.
  
  

Applications WILL BE ACCEPTED ON THE CITY APPLICATION FORM OR ON-LINE, from Tuesday, April 22, 2003, to Friday, April 25, 2003. Applicants may apply on-line or submit their City job application beginning Tuesday, April 22, 2003. Applications received before the start of the filing period will not be accepted. The examination may administratively close for filing each day during the filing period and will re-open the next day until the end of the filing period. The first written test will be given on May 24, 2003, in Los Angeles. Applicants filing earlier in the week may be tested sooner than those who file later in the week. Everyone who submits the PBQ and City job application during the filing period will be scheduled to be tested. Selective certification may be used to fill bilingual vacancies in the order of candidates' standing on the eligible list. (Candidates must pass a proficiency examination in the language for which they are being certified prior to being hired in such positions.) Applicants who speak a language other than English should indicate this in Box 36 on the City job application.

Examination Weights:

Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pass/Fail


Physical Ability Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pass/Fail


Interview Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%

Candidates must pass a QUALIFYING WRITTEN TEST which includes multiple-choice questions that may examine candidates for spelling; reading comprehension; the ability to compare and check the accuracy of information displayed in different forms; judgment and decision-making skills; and other skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the duties of a Detention Officer. Candidates will be notified by mail of the date, time and location of the qualifying written test.

Candidates who pass the written test will be scheduled to take the QUALIFYING PHYSICAL ABILITY TEST, which is designed to measure physical abilities such as muscular strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Candidates must pass both the qualifying written and physical ability tests to be scheduled for the interview. In the INTERVIEW, candidates may be evaluated on their judgment and decision-making skills; interpersonal skills; oral communication skills; and other job-related personal characteristics.

Appointment is subject to passing a thorough Medical Examination conducted by a City physician.

1. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.
2. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at anytime it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
3. This examination is based on a content validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the written test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
4. A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
5. You may take this examination once a year (365 calendar days). Your name may be removed from the eligible list after six months.
6. Possession of a valid California driver's license may be required prior to appointment.
7. Candidates who are hired must attend an appropriate Jail Procedures School as determined by the Los Angeles Police Department. The school will include an academic curriculum, physical fitness, and training in defense tactics and control holds for use on especially combative arrestees. Failure to successfully complete this course may result in termination.