Career Opportunities


La Mesa Patrol



Police Officer Trainee and Lateral Level

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. Patrol shifts are a 3/12 schedule.



  • General - U.S. citizenship or permanent resident who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship prior to application of employment.
  • Minimum Age - Age 21 at time of Academy graduation (No maximum age limit).
  • Education and Training - High school graduation, GED, and/or two year-or four-year degree from accredited college or university.
  • Experience - Some work experience that demonstrate a general aptitude for police work.
  • License or Certificates - A valid California Class C Driver's License, which permits you to drive an automobile, will be required at time of hire. Possession of, or the ability to obtain a P.O.S.T. Basic Certificate *Basic required for Lateral Police Officer).
  • Additional Information - Police Officer Job Classification

Police Dispatcher

A Police Dispatcher performs a variety of functions involved in receiving, evaluation, prioritizing and relaying calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety assistance; to dispatch appropriate units and coordinate response of emergency personnel; to operate a variety of telecommunications equipment including radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch systems; and to perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties involved in the preparation, maintenance, and release of materials related to law enforcement activities. Dispatcher shifts are a 3/12 schedule.

  • Education and Training - Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in communications, public safety dispatch or a related field.
  • License or Certificates - Possess a valid typing certificate of 40 wpm.
  • Experience - Some public safety telecommunications or dispatch experience is desirable.
  • Additional Information - Police Dispatcher Job Classification

Community Services Officer

A Community Service Officer performs a variety of specialized para-professional law enforcement duties in a non-sworn capacity including taking crime reports, performing traffic control and responding to burglaries and traffic accidents; to provide general information to the public and answer citizen inquiries; and to perform a variety of other non-sworn law enforcement functions in support of the Police Department. CSO shifts are a 4/10 schedule.

  • Education and Training - Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. An associate's degree or equivalent education in criminal justice, law enforcement, evidence technology, psychology, communications or a related field is desirable.
  • Experience - At least two years or full-time responsible public contact experience. Familiarity of law enforcement function is desirable.
  • License or Certificates - Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
  • Additional Information - CSO Job Classification

Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol

An RSVP is a volunteer position. RSVP performs a variety of assignments to include patrol assistance, “You are Not Alone Program,” and Clerical duties; to provide traffic control, office duties, customer service, and any other functions to assist law enforcement. Minimally volunteer for a 6 hour shift once per week.

  • Minimum Age - Must be at least 50 years of age.
  • Education and Training - Completion of the twelfth grade is desirable.
  • License and Certificates - Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.