Police Officer; Lateral​/Academy Graduate

Position Overview

Police Officer (Lateral/Academy Graduate) – City of La Mesa (The Jewel of the Hills) announces an exceptional career opportunity. Law enforcement experience or graduation from a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy is required.

Future Scheduled Salary Increase: 4.0% effective July 1, 2026.

Hiring Incentive Bonus (Lateral Candidates):

• $2,000 upon completion of the hiring process
• $3,000 upon successful completion of the LMPD Field Training Program
• $5,000 after 2 years of service with successful performance and possession of Basic P.O.S.T. Certification at the time of hire
• $10,000 after 2 years of service with successful performance and possession of Intermediate or Advanced P.O.S.T. Certification at the time of hire
• Up to $15,000 total hiring incentive bonus available

Additional pay incentives and benefits include:

• Educational POST Incentive Pay
• Bilingual Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Computer Loan Program
• Competitive Benefits Package

The La Mesa Police Department is dedicated to community service, honor, integrity, and professionalism. Positions include patrol, field training officer, investigations, motor officer, school resource officer, special investigations unit, street team, honor guard, and Special Response Team. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

• Patrol designated city areas via car, foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent crime, enforce traffic and ordinance laws, and issue warnings and citations.
• Respond to calls for protection of life and property, law enforcement, general public service calls, and complaints involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, animal control, and related incidents.
• Conduct investigations at incident scenes, determine if a crime has been committed, identify, collect, preserve, process, photograph, and book evidence, and locate and interview victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes under federal, state, and local laws and codes; control and mitigate individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations.
• Direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provide crowd control at parades, festivals, riots, and other events.
• Serve as liaison and public relations officer for the assigned area, establish good relationships with the public, develop reliable informants, and provide intelligence to divisional and departmental personnel.
• Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies for mutual aid, suppression of civil disturbances, and apprehension of criminals.
• Participate in continuous training to enhance law‑enforcement skills (defensive driving, apprehension techniques, investigative skills, etc.).
• Perform administrative duties supporting law‑enforcement services, attend meetings, prepare news releases, and maintain specialized equipment.
• Prepare activity, operations, arrest, and unusual incident reports; prepare investigative reports and case information.
• Testify in juvenile, civil, traffic, municipal, and criminal courts, and parole and DMV hearings; prepare and present evidence; respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours.
• Answer public questions concerning local and state laws, procedures, and department activities.
• Assist in receiving, searching, booking, fingerprinting, and transporting prisoners.
• Make presentations to public groups to promote crime prevention activities and enhance public understanding of police activities; serve as liaison to neighborhood watch groups and schools.
• As a Collision Investigator Motorcycle Officer in the Traffic Bureau, patrol on a police motorcycle, issue citations, investigate traffic accidents, conduct special enforcement details, and maintain the motorcycle.
• As an Investigations Officer, coordinate and conduct detailed investigations of crimes involving juveniles and adults, crimes against persons and property, vice, gaming, narcotics violations; perform undercover and surveillance activities;…