To apply to join the NOPD you must be at least 20 years old, licensed to drive, in good physical and psychological condition and posses a state approved G.E.D./high school diploma.
Out of Town Applicants
All applicants who do not live in the greater New Orleans area are required to apply in advance. Civil Services offers bundled test dates to streamline the application process for out of town applicants. Bundled test dates are 3 days and include the multiple choice exam, writing exercise, physical agility test and panel interviews. If you successfully complete this process you will need to travel back to New Orleans once more for background and psych before being hired.
Additionally, several lodging options have generously been made available at discounted rates for NOPD applicants in town for their tests: the Sheraton New Orleans ($95/night – does not include parking), Jackson Barracks ($35/night + free parking; located approximately 6 miles outside of downtown New Orleans and thus be advised that extra transportation costs will be incurred over the flat-fee airport rate) and the Hilton Homewood Suites French Quarter (with full kitchen – does not include parking) for $99/night for NOPD applicants in town for their tests. Verification of test attendance may be required for discount eligibility. Please complete this form to request discounted accommodations.
Lateral Transfers
Lateral Transfer Applicant Requirements
- Have current Peace Officers and Standard Training Council (POST) certification or certification from an equivalent state board AND two (2) consecutive years of full-time patrol and/or investigative law enforcement experience beyond academy and field training
- Be at least 20 years old
- Be a high school graduate or have a state-approved G.E.D.
- Be licensed to drive and have a good driving record and driving experience
- In good physical and psychological condition
The Application Process
The first step in becoming a New Orleans Police Officer is to submit an application. You can apply online now.
The hiring process consists of the following steps. You must complete all of these steps to be hired.
- Multiple choice exam and writing skills assessment.
- Physical Agility Test including push ups, sit-ups, and running
- Panel Interview
- Background Investigation including a CVSA test (a type of lie detector test)
- Substance Abuse Screening
- Medical exam
- Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation
To check your status in the process you can go to http://governmentjobs.com/neogov
Questions regarding the application or hiring process can be directed to Civil Service at (504) 658-3500.
The Application Process
The first step in becoming a New Orleans Police Officer is to submit an application. You can apply online now.
The hiring process consists of the following steps. You must complete all of these steps to be hired.
- Multiple choice exam and writing skills assessment
- Physical Agility Test including push ups, sit-ups, and running
- Panel Interview
- Background Investigation including a CVSA test (a type of lie detector test)
- Substance Abuse Screening
- Medical exam
- Psychological/Psychiatric Evaluation
To check your status in the process you can go to http://governmentjobs.com/neogov
Questions regarding the application or hiring process can be directed to Civil Service at (504) 658-3500.
Disqualifications
The NOPD will not accept applicants who have:
- Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to any Felony
- Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to any Misdemeanor involving any crimes against person or sexual offenses
- Been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, any offenses involving violations of the civil rights of any person under the constitution or laws of the United States or any state or territory
- Used marijuana within two years prior to application (within three years prior to application for lateral applicants)
- Used any illegal drug other than marijuana within ten years prior to application
- Sold, distributed, manufactured, or transported any illegal drug
- Used any prescription drug or legally obtainable substance in a manner for which it was not intended within two years prior to application (within three years prior to application for lateral applicants)
- Been dishonorably discharged from any military service
- Been terminated or forced to resign from any law enforcement agency for disciplinary reasons
- Refused to submit to a polygraph examination and/or voice stress examination
- An unacceptable driving record within five years of application, as evidenced by, three or more negligent collisions; suspension for moving violations; revocation, or operating after suspension/revocation of driving licenses; DWI or DUI convictions
Walk-In Testing
Local applicants should report to the Civil Service Department at 9:30 a.m. on any day of their choosing, Monday – Friday (excluding major holidays). Walk in testing will also be held on Wednesday evenings starting at 4:45 p.m. The Civil Service Department is located at 1340 Poydras Street, Suite 900, New Orleans, LA 70112. Saturday test sessions are also available by appointment.