To become a Police Officer for the City of Torrance, you will need to complete the entire hiring process. The links on the left represent all the steps of the process. You can click on the links to see a detailed explanation of each step. Some of the steps are explained via video clips and you will need the appropriate player-QuickTime or Windows Media-to view them.

New hire applicants begin the testing process with two exams:

Exam 1

Written/ Video Exam:
Both part 1 and part 2 portions are taken on the same day with an approximate 15 minute break in between. 

Part 1: Video Exam- During this test the applicant will be presented with video scenarios on a TV monitor. At the conclusion of each scenario the applicant will be required to select the most appropriate answer from the available options. These questions are mostly ethical questions and the applicant does not need prior law enforcement experience. This part of the test will take approximately one hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Part 2: Written Exam- Measures reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. There is also a section where the applicant is required to fill in the most appropriate word in two separate reading passages. The written test is a POST test and 4 sample tests can be found on the http://www.post.ca.gov/ website. This part of the test will take approximately two hours and a half hours to complete.

Exam 2

Oral Interview:
Upon passing the above exams you will be notified of your score via Civil Service. A date will then be set for you to take an oral interview. A three-panel board comprised of members of the Torrance Police Department will conduct the oral interview.

This test consists of five individually timed events:

1) Scale a 6 foot chain link fence. The applicant must run 5 yards to a 6 foot chain link fence, climb over the fence, and continue running for another 25 yards.

2) Scale a 6 foot solid wall. The applicant must run 5 yards to a 6 foot solid wall, climb over the wall, and continue running for another 25 yards.

3) Drag a 165 pound dummy 32 feet. The applicant must lift and drag a 165 pound lifelike dummy 32 feet. The applicant must lift the dummy by holding it under the arms and with the back of the dummy to the applicant's chest. The applicant will walk/run backwards while dragging the dummy's legs on the ground. There is an exception for applicants whose height is such that the dummy's legs do not touch the ground. In this instance, they are still required to walk/run backwards. This is the technique required in the dummy drag events throughout the academy.

4) Run a 99 yard obstacle course. The applicant will run a 99 yard obstacle course consisting of numerous sharp turns, a number of curb height obstacles, and a 34 inch obstacle that must be vaulted. 

5) Run 500 yards. The applicant must run 500 yards, which is equivalent to 1 lap plus 60 yards on a standard running track.

This is a pass/fail test. The applicant must get above a total of 338 points. The applicant will have 2 attempts to pass each test. If the applicant fails once, they have one more chance to pass. If they fail the second time, they can attempt to make up the points lost on another portion of the test. The exception is on the 500 yard run. Applicants will only have one attempt to pass the 500 yard run.

The test is not designed to eliminate you from the process. It is only a device that contributes to the overall completeness of the background investigation.

Upon completion of the exams, the tests are scored and the results sent to one of our department psychologists. He will review the results and conduct a follow up interview with you. During the interview the psychologists will discuss the results of the test. He will also discuss any other areas of your character that he feels are important to your ability to perform the job.

Lieutenant Ed LaLonde discusses the objectives of the academy in this video clip.

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Field Training Officer Scott Cameron discusses the training program during this video clip.

Officer Christopher Valento discusses this phase of the training program.