SWC News Center

Ready to Serve

By: Stephanie Kingston- November 6, 2026

Jessie McMurray didn’t always know she wanted to be a police officer. But experiences in and out of the classroom helped her discover a career that aligned with her commitment to serving others.

In April 2023, after studying criminal justice at San Diego State University, she began working as a Community Service Officer with the university’s Police Department. The experience gave her firsthand insight into law enforcement and helped her envision a future in the field.

A mission trip to Lima, Peru, further shaped her decision. While helping build a staircase and retaining wall for an underserved mountain community, McMurray saw the definition of community.  She realized the difference people can make when they come together to help one another for the greater good.

“The fulfillment I got from this opportunity had really solidified my desire to pursue a career where serving a community was the main focus,” she said.

McMurray’s path to Southwestern College began at a physical agility test for a local police department. There, she met Police Academy Program Director Capt. David Espiritu, who shared information about the College’s Police Academy. That conversation opened a new door. In July 2025, she joined the academy’s 75th class.

The training challenged her physically, academically and personally. While balancing work, coursework and demanding academy workouts, McMurray often started her day at 4:30 a.m. and returned home late at night to prepare her uniform and finish assignments. Through it all, Program Coordinator Captain Lamar Barrett and Sergeant Timothy Kahl encouraged her to push herself, build confidence and keep learning.

“The police academy prepared me by teaching me the importance of discipline, time management, and accountability,” she said. “Academically, it helped me develop critical-thinking skills, improve my communication, and better understand the criminal justice system.”

By graduation, McMurray could see how much she had grown. She entered the program feeling shy and unsure, but left with greater confidence in herself and her abilities.

McMurray now serves with the Chula Vista Police Department, applying the skills and lessons she gained at Southwestern College to her work in the community. She sees the job as more than enforcing the law. It means helping people in difficult situations and being dependable when it matters the most.

Her advice to future recruits is to explore the profession, attend recruit workshops and ask questions about the academy and application process.

“Without Southwestern College, I would not have accomplished my dreams,” McMurray said. “I am extremely grateful for the instructors, recruit training officers, as well as the skills and knowledge I learned from the program that assist me at work everyday.”