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Police Department Recruiting

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1. What are the minimum requirements for police recruits?

For Police Officer Trainee, the entry level position for the La Mesa Police Department; applicants must be at least 21 years old and possess a driver’s license. You must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident alien with an application for U.S. citizenship; and you must possess at least a high school diploma from a US high school or a G.E.D.

2. Where do I obtain an application?

You can submit an application for a Police Officer Trainee position by visiting the Job Opportunities page on the City web site and following the links for the position of Police Officer Trainee.

3. When and where do I take the written test? How often is the written test given?

Once the application is processed, you will be contacted via email with available dates to take the written test. The City of La Mesa Human Resources determines the location and the times of the written test.

4. What types of questions are on the written test?

The PELLETB POST test is multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and covers spelling, vocabulary, clarity, reading comprehension and CLOZE at a high school level.

5. When do I find out if I was successful in passing the test?

POST scores the written exam then provides the score to Human Resources. Applicants will be notified of their score by Human Resources via email.

6. How long does the hiring process take?

The process can take approximately 2 to 8 months. There are no alternatives to expedite this process.

7. Will the hiring process be shorter for applicants with previous law enforcement or military experience?

Generally no, but previous experience may help an applicant be more competitive in the process.

8. What are possible disqualifiers for Police Officers/Recruits?

Each case will be reviewed on an individual basis.

9. What will disqualify an applicant during a background investigation?

Any felony convictions as a juvenile or an adult, and any misdemeanor domestic violence convictions; will automatically disqualify an applicant amongst other factors. For specifics you can contact the recruiting and backgrounds unit.

10. What if my juvenile records are sealed?

Even if a juvenile record has been sealed, any felony convictions are still disqualifying. Applicants must list all arrests and or convictions

11. What about drug use, traffic citations or arrest records?

The following items: use of marijuana within the past two years or any illicit drugs within the past five years, several hazardous traffic violations, or any serious criminal offenses will be concerns when evaluating your viability. Applicants are expected to be 100% honest in these areas. All offenses will be evaluated by the Backgrounds Unit.

12. If I have a background investigation done with another agency, or have a top secret clearance in the military, will LMPD still do a background check?

Yes, the LMPD Backgrounds Unit will conduct their own background investigation.

13. Are there any height or weight requirements?

There are no height or weight requirements. Every applicant who is processed will be required to pass a rigorous 500 yard obstacle course which simulates a suspect chase. They must pass the obstacle course in 3 minutes 30 seconds or less.

14. What can I do to be prepared, mentally, physically and socially?

Mentally, law enforcement is challenging and rewarding career. It is also a potentially dangerous career. Make sure you think about that and discuss it with your family. The one thing that you can do now to prepare for the academy is to get in shape. You can take the physical stress out of the academy equation if you start today. While physically training for the academy, don’t limit yourself to only running also do circuit and weight training for improved academy performance. Socially, avoid risk taking behavior it can lead to someone else being hired instead of you. Review your social media and remove inappropriate material. Remember some of our Core Values are integrity and commitment.

15. What is the salary range for new Officers?

Starting salary for Police Officer starts at approximately $62,961.60 a year while in the academy and will reach top step of approximately $84,198.40 a year. Pay scales for ranks above police officer are higher depending on rank achieved. These figures are subject to change due to new contract negotiations.

16. What medical benefits are available?

The City of La Mesa offers a "cafeteria-style" benefits plan. Each employee is allotted a set amount of dollars each year for individual and family health care plans, with the employee choosing a plan to best suits their needs.

17. What about vacation and sick time benefits?

Officers receive 8 to 16 days for annual vacation leave each year depending on length of service. Sick leave accumulates monthly and can be carried over.

18. Will I be paid more money if I have a four year degree?

Not initially. Four years after academy graduation, Officers with a degree will see an increase in pay according to the educational incentive pay program.

19. How long is the Police Academy training program?

The police academy is a six month college course. Two thirds of the academy is academics and one third of the academy is physical training

20. Is the academy a live-in, high stress environment?

Academy hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with recruits going home at the end of each day. It is not structured as a high stress academy. Teamwork is highly encouraged.

21. How much running is required in the academy?

Recruits will be required to run at least 3 1/2 miles a day at the start of the academy. By the end of academy training, recruits will be running up to 7 miles a day several times a week. Some of the new workouts include Cross Fit style programs.

22. What happens when I graduate from the academy?

Upon graduation, Police Officers will be scheduled for an additional training program with a Field Training Officer. Once training is complete, new officers will be assigned to one of four patrol shifts depending on needs of the department.

23. Will I be paid while attending the academy?

La Mesa Police Department Recruits will be paid while attending the academy.

24. I'm an officer from out of state. Can I apply as a lateral officer?

Yes. However, California POST requires out-of-state lateral officers to obtain a California POST Certificate. Officers who do not have a California POST Certificate will be required to attend the San Diego Regional Police Academy. Please visit the California P.O.S.T website at www.post.ca.gov for additional information on P.O.S.T certification and potentially obtaining waivers.

25. Is there a faster process for out of state applicants?

No. Background investigations may be completed in as little as two months and could take up to eight months. Special scheduling arrangements may be made to accommodate individuals traveling from out-of-county destinations.

26. How do I apply as an out of state applicant?

The hiring process is the same for all applicants. The process will consist of a written and physical ability test, completing a preliminary investigative questionnaire and submitting a personal history statement packet. Once you have successfully completed the listed steps and are deemed to be a viable candidate, you will be contacted and instructed to complete a series of interviews, a polygraph and psychological evaluation and a medical screening.

27. Will a four year degree allow me to start as a detective?

All new Officers will start their careers in the patrol division. Three years after Academy graduation, Officers are eligible to apply for a special assignment. A college degree could help obtain a future special assignment.

28. Do I have to work the jail system prior to working the streets?

No, La Mesa Police Officers do not staff any of the jail facilities.

29. How long will it be before I can work a specialized assignment?

After three years in a patrol assignment, officers are eligible to apply for other specialized assignments. Examples of these assignments include; Special Response Team, Canine Handler, Investigations, Street Team, Special Enforcement Detail and Motor Officer.

30. What area does La Mesa Police Department patrol?

The city limits of La Mesa; approximately 9 square miles.