Police Officer Trainee
Listed on 2026-01-13
-
Government
Police Officer -
Law/Legal
Police Officer
City of La Mesa - The Jewel of the Hills
Announces An Exceptional Career Opportunity
Police OfficerFuture Scheduled Salary Increases: 4.0% increase effective July 1, 2026
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, apply today.
PositionDescription
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.
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 conducts 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.
TheHiring Process
2. Screening. The screening is performed by Human Resources to determine that you are not automatically disqualified based upon some of your application answers. Refer to the La Mesa Police Department Background Investigation Automatic Disqualifying Factors.
3. Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Written Test*. This is a test written and created by P.O.S.T. The written test consists of multiple‑choice questions that measure general aptitudes needed to be a Police Officer. No prior law enforcement knowledge is necessary to pass the test. Application Preparation Guide can be found on the P.O.S.T. website at
* P.O.S.T. Written Test may be waived if applicant meets certain criteria. See “Examination Process” in this job announcement for more information.
4. Physical Abilities Test (PAT). The Work Sample Test Battery consists of the five elements listed below:
- OBSTACLE COURSE/AGILITY RUN – Run a 99‑yard obstacle course consisting of several sharp turns, a number of curb‑height obstacles, and a 34‑inch high obstacle that must be vaulted.
- BODY DRAG – Lift and drag 165 pound lifelike dummy 32 feet.
- CHAIN LINK FENCE – Run 5 yards to a 6‑foot chain link fence, climb over fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
- SOLID FENCE CLIMB – Run 5 yards to a 6‑foot solid fence, climb over fence, and continue running another 25 yards.
- 500 YARD RUN – Run 500 yards.
5. Panel Interview and Pre‑Background Interview. Candidates that pass the written test and PAT will be scheduled…
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