Karla Menzies began her law enforcement career in June 2001 after graduating from the regional law enforcement academy. She has served in a variety of assignments throughout her career, including the Las Colinas Detention Facility, the San Diego Courthouse, and the North Coastal Patrol Station, where she worked patrol and on the Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving Team before becoming an area detective at the Fallbrook Substation.

In 2014, Karla was promoted to Sergeant and held multiple leadership roles at the Vista and Rancho San Diego Patrol Stations. Her assignments included supervising the Rancho San Diego Crime Suppression Team and serving as the area investigations sergeant for both Rancho San Diego and Lemon Grove.

Karla advanced to the rank of Lieutenant in June 2018, initially overseeing operations at the Communications Center before transferring to the Narcotics and Gang Division. There, she managed the East County Regional Gang Task Force, the East County Gang Street Team, and the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force. Her final assignment as Lieutenant was commanding the Valley Center Substation.

In February 2022, Karla was promoted to Captain, briefly returning to the Communications Center and Property Evidence Division before assuming command of the Poway, Ramona, and 4S Ranch Patrol Stations.

In March 2023, Karla achieved the rank of Commander and currently oversees the Court Services Bureau and Training Division. Her responsibilities include managing seven courthouses, the Civil Unit, Records Unit, Law Enforcement Academy, Detentions & Courts Academy, Weapons Training Unit, Emergency Vehicle Operations Center, and the In-Service Training Unit.

Karla holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. She is also a graduate of the 78th session of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) at Boston University.