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1. What is the starting salary for a Lafayette Police Officer?

In 2020, 1st year Probationary Officers (3rd Class) earn $56,165 annually.  2nd year officers (2nd Class) earn $59,447 annually.  As you begin your 3rd year of service and earn the rank of 1st Class Patrol Officer you will earn $66,009.

2. When should I apply?

The LPD accepts applications year round.  Once your application is submitted complete and activated you will be invited to the next series of tests we conduct.

Often times there will be an advertised testing date. If your completed application is received and activated prior to that test date application deadline, you are likely to receive an invitation to that testing.

3. How long is a hiring process?

It really depends on the needs of the LPD.  We are able to administer a hiring process (Test to Swear In) in as little 2 months.  Other processes may take several months.

4. What are the age requirements to be hired with the LPD?

Indiana State Law and the 1977 Police and Firefighter Pension Fund dictate the age that an officer can be hired.  http://www.in.gov/inprs/policeandfirefighters.htm

The minimum hiring age is 21.  While the maximum age is 36.  If you are a retired military veteran and served 20 years you are eligible to be hired up to 40 ½ years of age.

5. How can I prepare for the physical testing?

The LPD test the “Exit” standards as prescribed by the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.  The attached link offers what you need to know about those standards. http://www.in.gov/ilea/2338.htm.

6. What happens if I am unable to pass the minimum physical testing requirements?

Within 6 months, on a date and time of the LPD’s choosing, you can re-test.  If you successfully pass the re-test, you are eligible to proceed in a hiring process.

Should you fail the re-test or not show up for the re-test you will be eliminated from that hiring process.  You would then be eligible to reapply one year from the re-test failure.

7. How can I prepare for the written exam?

On the day of the test you will receive all of your study material.  Prior to the test you will have 2 hours to study the provided material.  There is no study material provided prior to the test date.

8. What happens if I don’t achieve the minimum standards on the written test?

If you don’t meet the minimum testing requirement, you will be eliminated from that hiring process.  You are eligible to reapply one year from the notification of the disqualifying test score.

9. What happens during my first year of employment with the police department?

If you have no full time police experience and are not previously certified through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) you can expect to be in training for your entire first year of service.  

The LPD new hire training is extensive.  A typical schedule will require that new officer(s) complete 6 weeks of in house training.  The in-house training will consist of LPD Rules, Regulations and Policy instruction, Criminal Law, Traffic Law, Pre-Basic certification (Required by the ILEA), Defensive Tactics, Firearms Instruction & Qualification, City Ordinance instruction, City Orientation Instruction, Field Days among other areas of training and instruction.

The ILEA is currently 15 weeks in duration.  http://www.in.gov/ilea/2380.htm

Our Field Training instruction is also extensive and generally consists of “6 rotations”, which are about 1 month in duration.  You will complete field training with a different Field Training Officer (FTO) each month and you will also complete rotations with a Detective FTO and a Traffic Officer FTO.  

Once you have satisfactorily completed the training and are approved for solo patrol you will be released from the training program.

10. Does a military background help my chances of employment?

Law enforcement is a para-military organization.  We wear uniforms, we have a similar rank structure, and our profession requires leadership, discipline, courage and dedication.  

A military background can be a great advantage.

11. Does the LPD require a college degree?

We do not require a college degree.  However, 75% of our officers either have an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree.  95% of the remaining officers have earned credits towards a college degree.

A college degree can be a great advantage.

12. What advice do you have for someone who hasn’t been to college, is not a current or former member of the military and is considering a career in law enforcement?

I would encourage you to seek employment in some form of public service.  

For example:  EMT/paramedic service, corrections officer, 911 dispatcher, probation officer, volunteer firefighting, reserve police officer, etc.

These occupations have aspects of law enforcement embedded in them and could be an advantage.

13. How much does it cost me to attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy?

The academy training is free of charge to a hired officer of the Lafayette Police Department, and since you are employee you will also be paid while in training.

14. What are the shift hours for members of the LPD?

Patrol Officers work 12 hour shifts.  These shifts begin at varying times.  As a patrol officer you will have every other Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.

Detectives work 10 hour shifts and have either Fri/Sat/Sun off or Sat/Sun/Mon off.

Administration works 8 hour shifts and have Sat/Sun off.

15. How many police officers does the Lafayette Police Department employ?

We have 148 sworn officers on the LPD.  This makes LPD one of the largest departments in the state.

16. Take me back to the Lafayette Police Department Career Opportunity Website.

http://lafayettepolice.us/1097/Career-Opportunities