Los Angeles Police Department
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Official Site of The LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT

Volunteer Opportunities

Make a difference as a LAPD volunteer and be the change you want to see in your community.  Volunteers represent a broad range of ages, from teenagers to senior citizens. Through their dedicated service, volunteers reflect the quality that is representative of the people of Los Angeles and the LAPD. In turn, the Department recognizes the valuable assistance that volunteers provide, and considers them as an integral part of the LAPD team.

One of the most important aspects of the LAPD volunteer program is the diversity of responsibilities that volunteers undertake on a daily basis. Volunteers serve as a bridge between officers and civilians as they represent their communities in all aspects of Department-related functions.

The City of Los Angeles is divided into 21 geographic Areas, each containing its own community police station. In the spirit of community policing, community members and officers join together to design volunteer opportunities at each station. As a volunteer, here are some of the available opportunities:

  • Promoting Safety with business communities
  • Front Desk Operations
  • Traffic Safety Outreach
  • Clerical and administrative support
  • Safe Passage to Schools
  • Community Members on Patrol
  • Vacation Checks
  • Detective Support
  • Variety of other important functions

There are also over 20 specialized divisions that utilize volunteers. In addition, LAPD provides opportunities for college/high school students interested in working in unpaid intern/volunteer positions or community service requirement programs.

How to Become an LAPD Volunteer

For information on volunteer opportunities with the LAPD, contact the Community Outreach and Development Division. Program Information, including the application process, as well as current volunteer opportunities will be provided. All applicants are required to be fingerprinted as part of LAPD background procedures.

If you aren't sure which station you should call, or you have specific interest in one of the LAPD specialized divisions, you may contact the Department's Volunteer Unit, email LAPDvolunteers@lapd.online at 213-486-6000.

INTERESTING FACTS

No police officers were killed in the North Hollywood bank robbery shooting of February 28, 1997

Venice Beach is the second largest tourist attraction in California, after Disneyland

The City of Los Angeles is 468 square miles

The Los Angeles Police Academy remains a favorite of film producers, whose “Academy Arch” is recognizable around the world

The LAPD hired the nation’s first policewoman

The LAPD created the nation’s first SWAT element