Because they sure have plenty of officers who clearly don't give a hoot about anyone who isn't a cop.

Hard to imagine that background would be appropriate for a cop either.

this maniac somehow got through.

The perp's manifesto talks of depression. Depression is of course very common and about half of diagnoses have onsets after age 30.

ESPECIALLY someplace like the LAPD.

It doens't mean they are effective, or that the applicant can't "beat" them. The odds are good that certain sociopaths want to be cops, and know how to be a chameleon and pass all the tests with flying colors.

but I don't really want to comment on how such things are poor predictors of future wellness or possibility of violence without knowing if such screenings are required.

But only to assure they're cop material (not like the rest of us).

There are some good cops (very very few, and they are unwilling to stand up to the bad ones).

Now with DHS infiltrating and direction police agencies, it can only get worse. See the "iWatch" program.

Join LAPD Application Process
http://www.joinlapd.com/selection.html

There are seven steps to the application process:

Step 1 - Preliminary Background Application (PBA) and Job Preview Questionnaire (JPQ)
All applicants must complete the online, interactive Preliminary Background Application (PBA) and Job Preview Questionnaire (JPQ) prior to taking the written test. Go to lacity.org/per/safety.html and click on "How to Apply." The online PBA will identify issues that you should resolve before beginning the selection process and will tell you if you have a realistic chance of success in the background investigation portion of the selection process. The online JPQ includes questions designed to help you better understand the nature of Police Officer work. Bring the printed results with you to the test site.

Step 2 - Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE)
The Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE) consists of essay questions related to judgment and decision making and behavioral flexibility. Your written communication skills will also be evaluated. If you fail, you may retake the PQE after six months.

Effective September 15, 2012, any person appearing for a civil service test administered by the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department MUST present a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card when appearing for the test. Any candidate who does not have a valid State or Federal issued photo identification card WILL NOT be allowed to take the test.

Step 3 - Background Investigation and Polygraph Examination
The Background Investigation begins with completion of a Personal History Form (which requires compilation of extensive biographical information), completion of additional questionnaires, fingerprinting, and an interview with a background investigator. The investigation will also include checks of employment, police, financial, education, and military records and interviews with family members, neighbors, supervisors, co-workers, and friends. The Polygraph examination is conducted to confirm information obtained during the selection process.

Step 4 - Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
The Physical Abilities Test (PAT) consists of two portions. The first portion is designed to measure strength, agility, and endurance. The second portion measures aerobic capacity and it will be administered usually at the time of the medical evaluation. Passing the PAT only indicates the minimum physical ability required to undertake academy training.

Step 5 - Department Interview
The Department Interview will be conducted by a panel to assess your personal accomplishments, job motivation, instrumentality, interpersonal skills, continuous learning orientation, and oral communication skills. (Only those candidates who pass the interview will be scheduled for further testing.) If you fail, you may retake the Department Interview after three months. Beginning January 2010, candidates will be required to submit their Fitness Logs as part of the Department Interview, as it will be considered in your evaluation.

Step 6 - Medical Evaluation and Psychological Evaluation
The Medical Evaluation is thorough and it is essential that you be in excellent health with no conditions, which would restrict your ability to safely do police work. Written psychological tests and the second portion of the PAT will also be administered at this time. The medical evaluation also includes a Psychological Evaluation that consists of an individual oral interview and evaluation by a City psychologist on factors related to successful performance in the difficult and stressful job of Police Officer. The information evaluated includes the written psychological tests as well as the background findings.

Step 7 - Certification and Appointment
Certification and Appointment are the final steps in the selection process. To be considered for hiring, you must have successfully completed all steps in the selection process. When a candidate is appointed will depend on the next available class date, selection by LAPD management, and accordance with provisions of the Consent Decree.

Physical and Psychological Requirements

LAPD applicants must also pass a physical abilities test. Once an applicant is determined eligible, they must take the first part of the physical abilities test. A second portion is later taken when the applicant completes a medical evaluation. Applicants must pass tests in agility, strength and endurance. A full medical evaluation is also required. Male applicants must have no more than 22 percent body fat and female applicants must have 30 percent or less. A cardiac stress test and a vision test is also required. Applicants must also be able to pass a full psychological evaluation with a city psychologist.



Read more: Requirements to Be in the LAPD | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8131455_requirements-lapd.html#ixzz2KEokLHOu

whoops, looks like several other members beat me to the answer

exactly how they do it. Most big city PDs do, these days.

On a related note, I can sell you a cup of my urine real cheap!

a lot of that violent stuff is either no charges or a mistermeaner charge.

one thing they should make all police do is wear a (constant on, public record) lapel cam.