Careers in Law Enforcement

Job Opportunities

For many officers, one of the best rewards for working in law enforcement is the fact that they have the access to many different career paths. With a variety of certifications and divisions, officers can progress their career following the paths of their choice.

All LSPD Officers start in patrol. While many Officers will choose to remain in patrol, others put in for promotions or for transfer to specialized divisions after a few years in the field. Patrol is primary provider of police services to the community and is considered to be the backbone of the LSPD. LSPD is challenging and rewarding.

No day in patrol is ever the same.

Patrol officers investigate crimes, make arrests, patrol communities to make them safer, work with the community to solve problems, conduct community meetings, mediate disputes, investigate traffic collisions and provide general police services.

Hard work is not overlooked. All members of the LSPD thank and respect our patrol officers for their duties and performance.

There are currently 8 certifications available within the LSPD. They include but are not limited to:

  • Field Training Officer

    Mentors new officers as they transition from the academy to the streets. Training Officers are responsible for teaching policies and procedures, evaluating trainees, and ensuring they perform their duties correctly.

  • MOTO

    The LSPD MOTO certification gives officers the opportunity to patrol the streets in a motorcycle instead of a cruiser. LSPD MOTO units are known for their rigorous training and ability to stick onto fleeing vehicles with ease.

  • HEAT

    The LSPD HEAT certification gives officers the opportunity to patrol the streets in tuned muscle cruisers. LSPD HEAT units are exceptional drivers who have proven themselves to outperform a typical officer in pursuits.

  • AIR

    LSPD has a fleet of helicopters under the callsign "AIR." These trained pilots assist ground units with maintaining visual contact with suspects, or searching a large area. Our trained pilots are the backbone of pursuits and search operations.

  • MARINE

    When officers are in need of marine transport, the marine certification is available. LSPD has a fleet of boats available for usage to aid in operations that require transport over bodies of water.

And more!

LSPD currently maintains 2 large divisions. These divisions are SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) and CID (Criminal Investigative Division).

Special Weapons and Tactics

SWAT units are trained members of the police force who are deployed for high-risk situations.

Criminal Investigative Division

CID units are trained members of the police force who handle investigations and major crimes.