Police Officer Trainee

La Mesa; La Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of La Mesa seeks Police Officer Trainee transitioning to Police Officer after academy completion. The role emphasizes patrol, investigations, and public safety within the community, with a path from trainee through P.O.S.T. certification.

Candidates must meet age and legal work requirements, have a high school diploma or GED, and posses or obtain a valid driver’s license and P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate. A thorough background and medical evaluations are part of the process.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• GED or college degree accepted to qualify.
• Some work experience showing aptitude for police work.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas to preserve law and order and enforce laws.
• Respond to calls for protection of life and property; handle a variety of incidents.
• Coordinate with other agencies; assist in mutual aid when needed.
• Perform administrative tasks; prepare and submit reports and press releases.
• Maintain calibration of equipment including alcohol screening devices.
• Perform related duties as required.

Education

High school graduation

GED or 2/4-year college degree

Some work experience demonstrating general aptitude for police work

Driver's license

P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate (or ability to obtain)

Job description

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Position Summary

City of La Mesa - "The Jewel of the Hills"

Announces An Exceptional Career Opportunity

POLICE OFFICER

The La Mesa Police Department maintains the highest commitment to the community through service, honor, integrity and professionalism. There are numerous assignments within the department which include patrol, field training officer, investigations, motor officer, school resource officer, special investigations unit, street team, honor guard and the Special Response Team. If you are interested in joining the LMPD's tradition of excellence.

Benefits

• Police Officer Trainee is the entry-level position to a career in municipal law enforcement. After successfully completing the Police Academy, the Police Officer Trainee will advance to the classification of Police Officer. Upon hire, Trainees shall attend the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute and complete a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy. Trainees will receive miscellaneous, non-safety member benefits and shall be enrolled in CalPERS as miscellaneous, non-safety members. Trainees shall progress to Police Officer upon:
  • Graduation from the police academy, or upon assignment to a field training program after completion of a portion of the academy meeting the requirements of Penal Code Section 832, and
  • Subscribing to the oath or affirmation required by the California Constitution and administered by a duly empowered official of the City of La Mesa.
• As a Police Officer, performs a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces State and local traffic regulations; participates in and conduct a variety of criminal investigations; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

The City of La Mesa offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol designated areas of the City in car, by foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; maintain awareness of and remain alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations.
• Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, animal control, and related incidents; respond to and provide assistance at a variety of public service type calls that are non-criminal in nature.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the City for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests.
• Perform a variety of administrative and other types of duties in support of law enforcement services, programs, and activities; attend meetings; prepare and submit news releases; maintain and calibrate specialized equipment including preliminary alcohol screening devices.
• Prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information.
• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

General

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Must be 20-1/2 years of age at time of application submission.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Education/Training

• Requires high school graduation, passage of the General Education Development Test (GED) or attainment of a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

• Some work experience that demonstrates a general aptitude for police work.

License or Certificate

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain upon completion of the Police Academy, a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate, and maintain the certification throughout employment in compliance with Senate Bill 2 (SB 2).

Examination Process

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a thorough background investigation (includes polygraph). A pre-employment medical evaluation and psychological evaluation are also required.

First Consideration Of Applications

• Physical Abilities Test (PAT) - Saturday, November 14, 2026
• Appraisal Interviews - Thursday, November 19, 2026

Second Consideration Of Applications

• Physical Abilities Test (PAT) - Date TBD
• Appraisal Interviews - Date TBD