LMPD held an informative La Mesa Safety Fair on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 9am-1pm. Everyone I spoke to was passionate about their role in keeping La Mesa and their surrounding community safe. Booths included City of La Mesa & Recreation, Heartland Fire & Rescue, LMPD, UCSD Health Burn Center, Bike Coalition, Community Emergency Response Team, Trauma Intervention Program, Safe Kids, American Red Cross, Drug Enforcement Administration, SDGE, FBI, SD County Vector Control, FirstNet. read more

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On multiple occasions over the years, the La Mesa Police Department has totally dodged taking responsibility for legitimate concerns that are called in. They literally hate to leave the desk and get off their cell phones. They will make every attempt possible to get you off the phone and not dispatch for a call. I've even had the dishonor of dealing with two immature woman officers over the phone who were snickering and mocking like little teenagers, because they weren't concerned with public safety. Like other tax-paying residents, this Department appears to be a completely lost cause. read more

La Mesa Police Department is Discriminant against anyone who is not white and disabled!!... Failure to fallow ADA laws set by the Government! Took them 5 years to reverse my parking tickets which they illegally gave! One of the parking tickets was given on private property! They failed to know the 72 hour parking laws on a unmaintained streets! Law enforce is supposed to uphold the law, but La Mesa Police Department is a disgrace and fails to follow the laws! They are more like a gang that does what they want and abuses the laws! As a prior MP I am extremely disgusted with the unjust La Mesa Police Department! Both my husband and I were injured by La Mesa Police Department because they failed to have any policies on ADA laws and failed to train all La Mesa Police Department of the ADA Laws, it is just a matter of time before they kill someone! My husband still suffering from permanent injuries from the La Mesa Police Department. As for myself no one should get injured with disabilities just for calling 911 because of an intruder on our front porch who jumped our 4 foot fence to get on our property! I was treated like a criminal just because I called 911 and months later still suffering from injuries which La Mesa Police Department had inflicted on me because to their own admission said, "None of the officers have had ADA training. " read more

Done time in the 90"s and Early 00's but Officer Pie's treated me with respect and dignity, he is a reason blue lifes matter. But still have cuff marks lmao. Awesome young man. read more

A police officer took my boyfriend's polo wallet with his bank card , his mom's ebt card and more yesterday while patting him down as well as his pens . On university avenue at Taco Bell the incident happened on January 18 at around 10pm at 6104 University Ave San Diego, CA 92115 United States near the parking lot of Taco Bell. My boyfriend asked him if they gave us back everything they took and the officer told us that everything is on the dashboard and in the driver and passenger seat. Once he left we realize he never gave my boyfriend his pen and his polo black wallet. He gave us a verbal warning for tints and took pictures of me and my boyfriend. The officer was a white male with dark hair look to be in his late 20s early 30s and as well as another Mexican officer who had a mustache look to be in his 40s dark hair. 2 other additional officer pulled over to search our vehicle 2 white males with blonde hair. We want our black polo wallet back and the 2 pens please let us know what we can do to get our items back please. read more

This is a review for the 911 operators near San diego. I have Autism level 2. I have an IQ of 89(the usual is 100). I remember every minute of every day in vivid detail. I notice everything, including patterns. I was suicidal, so I walked into the nearest exit and start jumping in front of moving cars. For 30 minutes, the operator pretended to do their job while secretly mocking me. I know this because they repeatedly said "I can see you" and "where are you?" to which I repeatedly stated exactly where I was. I could have died because of them. Eventually one of the drivers called the police, but the police were oblivious that I called 911. read more

I'm supposed to be a witness in an investigation they are conducting, but this department has done everything they can to alienate me as a witness. I had been extremely patient with them and complied with every ridiculous request, but they continue to use harassment and intimidation techniques such as *serving a search warrant at 3 am (august 2019) and * questioning me under duress after 2 hours sleep, *released my address to the media involving a controversial case, after which I was mailed death threats Now (October 2021) they came to my house and * their sgt Jose Gaytan LIED TO ME about their reasons for wanting to enter my property, then *refused to leave FOR HOURS after I said I wasn't comfortable with them imposing on my hospitality or willing to let them take a chair from my home without a warrant *all while leaving multiple cruisers parked on the street to humiliate in front of the whole neighborhood for hours This isn't just "stuff you see in the media", this is my personal, ongoing experience with this department. Im not even a suspect, just a witness and they treat me like this when I comply. If they come to my house without a warrant again, they will have the door shut in their face. read more

La Mesa Police Department - When police complain about being "underfunded" they actually mean they are bestowed with over a third of the entire city budget. - Police Departments Near Me - La Mesa, California

Last week I found myself in a position where I needed to call the non emergency line for La Mesa Police Department. The dispatcher who took my call was very patient with me. He let me explain my question/problem thoroughly and made sure he understood the information I was relaying. The officer who handled my complaint called me after he had addressed my concern and was extremely informative, professional and put me at ease. My problem was not resolved BUT I do feel the staff and officer(s) did all they could within their power (and did so in a timely manner). I appreciate them very much. read more

Never had a problem and I've lived in La Mesa for over 40 years. Met the mayors and police chiefs and non problem there. I've seen so many changes and if any complaint or concern is needed with regards to the police department - no speed traffic control and it's gotten worse because La Mesa has grown. I'm a retired automotive engineer and I used to sit and clock with a radar gun (in a speed zone of 35mph and constantly traffic is 50mph & above!! Come on a write tickets and increase your coffers or continue to ignore and have all the accidents and injuries along with property damage. Other than that - read more

True props to LMPD for getting the community involved in events. I actually waved at the Police Chief today at Grossmont mall. Community access is so important. Let's keep La Mesa safe together. read more

I've called the PD multiple times. From people screaming for help all the way to people harassing people walking down the street and to homeless people overdosing. As much as I'd like their help and the people I've called la Mesa pd to help. They haven't responded to a single call out of my 7 attempts. What's the point of peace keepers when they are driving past people throwing things and overdose outside my apartment in the clear open area. Fletcher parkway is a 6 lane area. I've had police drive by multiple times as the culprit or the victims are in the middle of the 3 lane parkway flagging down police driving by as a cry or help or out of spite for me. It's just crazy. It's a god damn Tuesday night. What do I deserve to not get police response. read more

I called the LMPD about a non emergent issue at my place of business... The dispatcher was kind and understanding. An officer was dispatched and arrived within 5 minutes. He helped immediately. "No questions asked".. My hat is off to LMPD for their service... read more

Yesterday My dog escaped from the dog sitter. My neighbors and family went looking for her. I was at Scripps Green Hospital and couldn't join the search. I received a call there from Animal Control, the officer informed me that a motorcycle office had found my dog on El Cajon Blvd and called her. I thanked her and told her that I couldn't retrieve my dog until the next day because I was unable to drive for 24 hrs. I told her where I lived and she kindly returned my dog home to a frantic dog sitter. Thank you to the police officer and kind animal control officer! Above and beyond kindness. If they hadn't intervened a different and tragic outcome could have occurred. Thank you again! read more

Had to get fingerprints done at a law enforcement facility due to requirements from an out of state job. Was in the La Mesa area and figured it'd be easier to get it done here than closer to Downtown. I was right. Friendly staff helped me and I was in and out in around 30 minutes. Would have been even quicker if I had made an appointment. read more

Not very helpful for my situation. I felt like there was a lack of understanding. Like they were belittling my emergency. read more

La Mesa Police Department - Police Departments Near Me - La Mesa, California

Entirely unhelpful and reluctant to assist me in reporting. They told me I needed to go to another police department because of jurisdiction, when this one is the closest and most accessible one for me. I am upset and disappointed. read more

Rsvp keeps writing 72 hour parking notices on my vehicle. In the last 35 years no vehicle on our street has ever gotten a 72 hour parking violation as parking is not an issue. Only when rsvp was requested to come check on our home on vacation they wrote the 72 hour parking notice on our own vehicle parked in front of our house keep in mind there is plenty of parking that a army could come and park. But rsvp decides to single out my vehicles . Don't request la mesa rsvp to come patrol your house unless you want complimentary parking enforcement of your own vehicles that you own to be towed from the front of your house. read more

My boyfriend had called this department's non-emergency number after an incident on the freeway. A woman with 3 children was driving recklessly, phone in one hand and food in the other. She was brake checking my boyfriend and literally slowed down to 20mph in the fast lane flipping the middle finger after she cut him off to merge (this was on the on ramp of the 125 & 8 connecting to the 94). She then turned her entire body around to grab a bag of food from her children, cut off a semi and almost hit a motorcyclist in the process. This happened at around 4:30pm. My boyfriend called after he arrived at work around 4:50pm and was met with attitude by the lady working the phone. She transferred him to CHP only to be transferred back to LMPD because it happened 'too long ago' and he wasn't on the road anymore. He had to get stern with the lady to get this reported because a woman was endangering 3 children's lives!! They were all under the age of 6!!! Just horrible service, absolutely no empathy or care for anyone on the road, those children or the woman driving recklessly. I hope this customer service doesn't reflect on the service the police must provide. A wellness check on the woman, contact CPS, SOMETHING!!! read more

AH ... the nightmare. This is the place where the RSVP (retired service volunteer patrol) are stationed ... a fleet of retired Police cars driven around by retirees. Nice idea as a crime deterent, until the run into your car in the parking lot. The people were always nice to me at the storefront, so that is no problem, but the offender was kept mightily secret and the city of La Mesa took 2 months to settle with my insurance company ... and the meanwhile I was out my detuctable. Overall nice enough folks, but I felt like noone was willing to take responsibility for the actions that had occured. Oh well. They really are nice folks, all in all. read more

These people are absolute crooks. They don't serve the people, they steal from the people. They wanted to charge me $24 to sign off on a registration sticker fix it ticket. $24 to walk out to the parking lot to verify my stickers were on my license plate. Greedy crooked cops! I thought police are meant to serve and support the community. read more

I was sexually assaulted by two nurses at Grossmont Hospital, I called the LMPD, I got the run around from the first officer Hughs, I thought he made a police report but never got a case number. I kept calling for MONTHS and finally had to call the Cheif of Police for them to take it seriously. Finally had an Sgt Perry call me, he took my report over the phone. I dont drive and I live in EL CAJON. Not once did they offer to come out to where I was. I finally got him to take the report and he said ok Ill give it to the detective to look into it. Well I waited and waited, finally I called and I was told "oh yes the detective sent it to the DPHLC" so I went to them and found out they were investigating it. I went and called the police to find out when they were going to send it to the DA's office. Sgt Perry said as soon as it got done with the DPHLC. Well 4 months later, I got a letter from the DPHLC, they screwed up and didnt investigate it as a sexual assault. I called the police again and ask when they were going to send it to the DA's office because the DPHLC was not going to they said they handled it on their end already. Then Sgt Perry and a LT Bell both told me "we gave it to the DA's office and they wont do anything they say "no crime committed". So I called the DA's office again and asked WHY. They said they never got the case from the LMPD. So I called back and found out through Lt Bell that they did not give it to the DA's office and that the detective went and talked to the nurses. Now see I called several times to get the names of the nurses, I only knew the first name of the second nurse. HE told me "oh yes we have the names we just omitted it from the report we sent you (after I had to request it). I said so you KNOW the names? Lt Bell said oh yeah we know..Detective Patrick talked to them and after he talked to them he felt no crime was committed. I said OOH I see soooo detective Patrick would rather believe the criminals/abusers then the victim. I see how this is. This is crap. He said well why dont you come in and we can all talk about this. I said fine when? He said well detective patrick is out on vacation for two weeks next monday we will see when you are available for it. Well I called and finally talked to detective patrick and he said he never even knew about a meeting. SO I called to talk to Sgt Perry to see what was going on and he said. OH didnt you talk to Kelly Conway of the DA's office? Case closed no crime was committed. Thats it..Nothing will be done. SO I was groped by TWO nurses at Grossmont Hospital in my private bathroom of my private room, lifting my breasts, groping my butt and trying to get access to my crotch and NO crime was committed. THIS PD NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!!! Ive even called the cheif of police VASQUEZ and he wont respond to ANY messages. IF ANYONE ELSE HAS BEEN DONE THIS WAY BY THE LA MESA PD PLEASE EMAIL ME....cae1970@yahoo.com. read more

Pretty good service overall. Reported at 7am that our car was stolen. Was advised that since it was a Camry, not likely to be found. That was a bit upsetting. However, by 5pm received a call that it was located! They advised us if we picked it up ASAP there would be no impound fees. I found overall that all of the individuals involved were courteous and listened to my questions and concerns. They were very responsive. I hope the caught the person that stole the car and that he/she serves some time. read more

I went to the La Mesa Police department for Livescan fingerprinting for my professional license. On the ca.gov website, it says they take walk-ins. When I arrived, there were at least two women working there. They said they were having lunch and the earliest appointment would be at 1:45pm -- two hours from my arrival time. I said no thanks, and went to find another site nearby. Once, there, about 8-10 minutes later, it seemed a little shady, so I called LM PD Livescan and inquired about an appt. The woman said they had nothing available until 3:00pm. I then called the Livescan office at The San Diego Community College District Police Department on Frazee Rd. The woman said they take walk-ins. I was in and out very quickly and the woman who did my scan was lovely and polite! Will avoid LM PD office in the future! read more

I just have to say, I had the most wonderful experience with the La Mesa PD. My debit card was "hacked" here in La Mesa. I became aware immediately as my bank notified me of 2 withdrawals at a bank in Florida! Bank immediately froze my card. I had this happen once before in the Bay Area. The police there took a report but nothing ever came of it (even though I knew the bank and time the money was illegally withdrawn). I decided to report my fraud to the La Mesa PD anyway, not expecting anything different. Imagine my surprise when I got a call from a detective in Florida! Unfortunately, I don't know the name of the person at the La Mesa PD who DID THEIR JOB but I am SO thankful to the PD. Florida is now going to obtain the video footage of who withdrew the money!!! All this for only $260.00!!! I've read a lot of mean things said about LMPD but for me...I think they're fabulous!! read more

This is a quaint building on the corner of Baltimore and university. Spacious parking lot so never have to worry about finding parking. The inside is also air conditioned in the summer. However, I did personally get teargassed and shot at there which is why I unfortunately have to give them a one star. Rating would probably be a little higher if I, and I'll state this again, didn't get attacked with chemical weaponry and shot at with rubber bullets in the area. Caused some traumatic stress and mild PTSD, but it's in a great area. 1/5 stars but would protest again. read more

I called and made an appointment prior to going in for finger live scan and when I got there the guy at the window directed me to the room where they do the scan. Then a lady walks out and tells me there are people ahead of me and if I can wait. I got there 5 minutes before my appointment and after waiting for about 20 minutes I asked at the window about walk ins and appointments and that's when the lady told me that appointments are taken before walk ins. That bothered me and I explained to her what happened, she apologized and took down my information for a supervisor to call me. About 30 minutes after leaving a so called "supervisor" calls me, oh let's not forget they call blocked, like what am I going to do with their phone number in my log??? 1. She didn't even say her name but she starts asking about my experience. Then she says how did I my appointment on Friday if they were closed, I told her I called the number and who ever answered made my appointment for Monday at 9:15am and again she asked how did I speak with someone if they were closed.. WOWWWW!!!!! I told her I don't need to lie, if i would've walked in, i would've patiently waited. Then she asked if I called the 619... number, I was like I called the number that's on the internet and when they picked up they said LMPD.. Anyway, this so called "supervisor" was so unprofessional and clearly she doesn't know how to talk to civilians. I will never go to LMPD for anything ever again. This was the worse experience, forget them skipping my appointment but this "supervisor" was trying to say that I was lying. I'll be making a call to complain to the chief. This is ridiculous, train your people thoroughly and effectively!!! read more

Unnecessarily rude service from two ladies when trying to schedule a live scan fingerprinting appointment.

A poorly run operation. For example the arrest of Mr Johnson by Officer Dages was totally without probable cause, demonstrated systemic racism and should never have happened. Worse yet 4 or 5 other officer were on the scene or soon arrived. Between the whole lot there wasn't one voice of common sense, reason or that demonstrated honest effort to serve justice. Almost the whole incident was recorded and knowing that Dages chose to stretch the truth and escalate rather than deescalate the situation. La Mesa police have a history of not holding officers accountable and when they can not hide the truth attempting to deny reality with non-independent, " independant" investigations. The problem with what Dages and his cohorts did was obvious from the video release on day one. read more

Went to the storefront with a client to make a complaint about an officer. The client had called LMPD after she was threatened with a knife and chased from her own home. The dispatcher transferred the call directly to an officer, which I'd never heard of before but thought was pretty cool. But then the officer said he was not going to see her, that it was a civil matter, and that she needed to get a restraining order. Last time I checked the Penal Code it was assault with a deadly weapon. And refusing to even send someone? Totally unheard of. We met with a portly sergeant to took a report of the incident, and then defended the officer. I advised him that a single threatening act does not satisfy the elements of a civil harassment restraining order, and recommending one five minutes after the court house had closed was, at the very least, silly. He refused to identify the officer, and refused to even take a complaint. He said he would follow up with us about the criminal matter against the assailant, but here we are nearly a year later and he hasn't. Then a friend's trailer was stolen in the middle of the night from my driveway. It's registered with the DMV, and I got the information and visited to make a stolen vehicle report. "Oh, it's not registered to you, so you can't report that it was stolen." Huh? It was in my possession and was stolen from me. What about a student from SDSU with a friend's car? "Oh, that's different." Huh? In more than five years, I have yet to see one of their officers smile, or say please. What ever happened to "serve and protect?" read more

Never before have I felt more uncomfortable in a situation like this before. No, not because I am a criminal who needs fingerprinting, but because of the hostile and unpleasant attitudes of the staff members. Before I go on, I'd like to say that at least I was able to get an appointment this morning when I called in and was taken on time. This was nice of them. However, when I walked into get fingerprinting done for a new job, I was not greeted with a "hello" or any kind of smile. A very mean "WRITE YOUR ADDRESS DOWN" was the only thing said to me when I put my forms of the counter. Then came the identification hassle and I swear these older ladies never have seen a drivers permit in their life. We argued about how if it was valid because I have "had it since January".... wouldn't that be the same thing if I HAD a license? My goodness. So they almost didn't let me proceed with it. The lady who took my fingerprints grabbed my hands so forcefully and not a smile would crack on this ladies face; not even a bit of small talk. As soon as I was done, I got a grimacing look when I asked to borrow their stapler to ensure I didn't lose their stupid papers that I needed. Anyone who has to go get fingerprints done, please do not try to be nice to these ladies, they already hate you. read more

I got pulled over last night and I just want to give a shout out to the La Mesa Police Department. I know. That sounds weird. Anyway, I was turning from El Cajon Boulevard on to La Mesa Boulevard and 100 ft later got pulled over. The officer said I took the turn pretty wide and that he was out looking for impaired drivers. Totally legit. Except for the impaired part, thankfully! He gave a very basic field sobriety test, asked where we were headed, and said okay be safe. Happy to see our officers out there keeping the streets of La Mesa safe. We appreciate all that do. read more

This review is not a review of the storefront but rather four police officers that responded when I was in a crisis. Finding yourself in your underwear and flip flops because you forgot to take your medication could be a horrific and embarassing situation. However, I was treated with great courtesy as I struggled to remember my name and phone number. (I lived only a block and 1/2 away. The four officers were gentleman to the max. I never felt in danger and I never felt that I was being looked at like a crazy person. Soon I'll go to the department hq to thank these men personally or at least to report my excellent experience to the department supervisors. Things could have turned out much worse for me. Thank you LMPD. read more

I can't speak about the storefront itself, but since there's no other listing for LMPD in general, that's what this is for. I'm sure this storefront is just a continuation of service (more than likely by volunteer officers as that's what a police storefront is usually expected to have, paid officers are usually out in the field) that I will be reviewing here today similar to any Sheriffs department storefront in small areas. For the most part La Mesa PD does a pretty good job enforcing the law in a timely fashion with the exception of dealing with SDPD wanting to pass off incidences that occur near or on the border and then blaming it on LMPD when the don't respond when its an SD problem. The police never seem to be a problem in La Mesa. We see them all the time patrolling even the far reaches of their border and not once have I seen them pull anyone over for bogus crimes nor waste anyone's time for things they are outside of the law. If you break the law in La Mesa, however, expect to be treated like the criminal you are but with a little more respect than you'd get from an obviously frustrated police force. They will not pussyfoot about here, justice will be served and peace will be kept quickly and peacefully. Don't gripe about that jaywalking ticket or that speeding ticket or even that parking ticket, just be a good citizen and learn to use sidewalks, pay your parking meters and following posted parking and traffic signs and you will be fine. They really truly embody what a police department and civil service is about. They do keep the peace in La Mesa. They should be America's Finest in my opinion. They respond within a few minutes to any type of call, even ones that flow over from San Diego. Now if only we can attract the crime doers to move in the direction of La Mesa, maybe we might see a reduction in crime in the area because there will a police force who will actually respond to any issues that actually occur without having to wait until it becomes violent. I can't say the same for SD PD that's for sure. Oh side note: for those going to get a live-scan for a job, I can see how coming to a public service location would end up with being treated rudely....you are sort of wasting their time with a non-emergency, non civilly served need...the reason they are there is protect and serve the public from crimes, not to help you land a job. There are plenty of private companies who offer live-scan services, I'd go there instead, otherwise expect to be scoffed at. I'm still amazed they offer the service to the public for non-police purposes and people sure do take advantage of the service. I'd suggest coming to a police service location for a police matter or to get information on where to go to handle your issue, and be polite and patient about it, chances are they are volunteers working there themselves. read more

upon traveling to work today, i was cut off 3 times by drivers on baseline. the 3rd one came very close. i laid on the horn and the person braked checked me because he did not leave enough room between the car in front of me and my vehicle. i raised my phone and pretended to take a picture of the plates. the vehicle (white ford f250 4x4) then turned on lights that simulate a police strobe in his tail lights and speed off. (contractor trucks have these lights also but this was a personnel vehicle with no marking) i did accelerate and realized this vehicle had to stop at the upcoming red light. at the light he shot gunned it when the light turned green cutting off other drivers and was weaving in and out of traffic to avoid me. i let him go but did see him turn off on a side street ahead. i turned and seen he was along side the road and passed him. he then started to follow me and a unsafe distance and tried to intimidate me with the size of his truck. he suddenly stopped and made a u turn. i did so also to go back to my normal path to work. the truck had made a right hand turn and was out of sight. as turned back onto base line and could see the vehicle turn into the wal-mart parking lot. i could see the truck trying to hide. he pulled out and about rammed me again and i called 911. with the operator on the hone we exchanged positions so i could maneuver to get the plates. i seceded and informed the operator. at this time the driver then made a pass and stopped directly in front of me and the driver went on a rant. i have the 911 operator on the phone (car has bluetooth) and informed them of the situation. the officer showed up and wanted to know if i had a weapon. the officer asked what happened and i told him i was on the phone with 911 on the line about this reckless driver. briefly described the event in less than 30 seconds, and the officer went to the driver of the truck. i could hear the drive say untruthful things. after 5 min, the officer turn this driver free and came back to me. the officer said he knew exactly what happened and could give me a ticket for speeding and i was the one whom created the issue because i followed this driver. (to get his plates to report) i simply said good day officer and drove away. as a member of the community i would expect to have a little more sense of protection and respect. i understand the issue of defusing the situation. i did not expect the officer telling me he knew exactly what happened after 30 seconds of my description of what happened and 5 minuets of the other driver. as far as i know there were no other witnesses. i have always been very pro police as a former marine and support them in many areas and causes. i however i was taken back by someone knowing exactly what happened and then saying i was the one at fault. i will be getting a go pro and mount to all my vehicles like the europeans do to protect them self. i will then have the officer stand in front of my vehicle while conducting an investigation as well. it is a shame but i know most officers do a good job. i feel this was not one of those instances. read more