Police Officer Trainee

Position Summary

The La Mesa Police Department maintains the highest commitment to the community through service, honor, integrity and professionalism. The department offers assignments such as patrol, field training officer, investigations, motor officer, school resource officer, special investigations unit, street team, honor guard, and the Special Response Team.

Police Officer Trainee is the entry-level position to a career in municipal law enforcement. After completing the Police Academy, the trainee will advance to the classification of Police Officer. Upon hire, trainees attend the San Diego Regional Public Safety Training Institute and complete a Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certified academy. They receive miscellaneous, non‑safety member benefits and are enrolled in CalPERS as miscellaneous, non‑safety members.

Trainees advance to Police Officer upon:

• Graduation from the police academy, or upon assignment to a field training program after completing 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.

• 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, enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances, and issue warnings and citations.
• Respond to calls for life and property protection, law enforcement, public service calls, and complaints.
• Contact and cooperate with other law‑enforcement agencies regarding offender apprehension and offense investigation.
• Perform administrative duties in support of law‑enforcement services and programs.
• Prepare reports on activities, arrests, and unusual incidents; compile investigative reports.
• Perform related duties as required.

• Must be 20 ½ years of age at time of application submission.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
• High school graduation, GED, or two‑year or four‑year college degree from an accredited institution.
• Some work experience that demonstrates a general aptitude for police work.
• Valid driver's license.
• Upon completion of the Police Academy, ability to obtain and maintain a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate in compliance with Senate Bill 2.

• Physical Abilities Test (PAT)
• P.O.S.T. Written Test (PELLETB)
• Panel Interviews

Internship

Full‑time

Other, Information Technology, and Management

Government Administration