PORT POLICE Specialist; Lateral ; Revised

Annual Salary

$89,700 - $124,236

NOTE: Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

A Port Police Specialist is a sworn peace officer, authorized to carry a firearm; enforces federal and state laws and regulations, City of Los Angeles ordinances, and security, traffic, and safety rules and regulations; engages in law enforcement activities, including uniformed foot, vehicle, boat, and bicycle patrol and plain‑clothes assignments at the Port of Los Angeles; makes arrests and prepares written reports;

provides information to the public regarding locations and operations of the Department; engages in hazardous materials enforcement; and does related work.

Start by completing the Public Safety online application at  Upon completion, submit a copy of your CA POST profile via email to psdselection.

The examination will consist of a qualifying multiple‑choice test, a qualifying Personal History Statement, and an interview. The multiple‑choice test will evaluate factors including spelling, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and clarity. Your passing score does not expire. The test is proctored and administered online. Candidates invited to participate can take the test from a remote location using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection.

FAQs for online testing are available at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the multiple‑choice test onsite at a City facility.

All candidates who pass the multiple‑choice test will be invited to submit a Personal History Statement. The statement is a preliminary background investigation requiring extensive biographical information.

Candidates who pass the Personal History Statement will be invited for an interview. In the interview, competencies such as Personal Accomplishment, Job Motivation, Community Involvement, Problem Solving, Interpersonal, and Oral Communication Skills may be evaluated. Your interview score will determine your rank on the eligible list. A passing score will expire after 2 years. The interview is conducted online and can be joined from home using a webcam and reliable internet.

Hardship cases may take the interview onsite.

The investigation begins with completion of a Personal History Statement and will include fingerprinting and a background interview. The investigation also includes checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co‑workers, and friends. Findings are valid for 12 months. A polygraph examination will be conducted prior to your field investigation to confirm information obtained during the selection process.

To better prepare for the exam and academy demands, you are required to complete the Physical Fitness…