Police Officer Trainee

Police Officer

The City of La Mesa - "The Jewel of the Hills" announces an exceptional career opportunity for a 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, apply today.

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.

The hiring process includes application submission through the City website, screening, Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) written test, physical abilities test, panel interview, pre-background interview, background investigation, polygraph examination, command staff interview, chief's interview, psychological examination, pre-placement medical examination, and final job offer.

The following duties are typical for this classification : 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; respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints; contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies; perform a variety of administrative and other types of duties; prepare a variety of reports; and perform related duties as required.

Minimum qualifications include being at least 20-1 / 2 years of age at time of application submission, legally authorized to work in the United States, high school graduation or passage of the General Education Development Test, some work experience that demonstrates a general aptitude for police work, and possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license. The recruitment process includes a physical abilities test, P.O.S.T. written test, and panel interviews.