Lieutenant Rosa Patron began her law enforcement career in 2008 as a cadet in the 76th Regional Law Enforcement Academy. Upon graduating, she was assigned to the Las Colinas Detention Facility, where she served for one year before transferring in October 2009 to the Poway Sheriff’s Station, providing service to both city residents and the unincorporated community of 4S Ranch.

In 2012, Lt. Patron transferred to the Imperial Beach Sheriff’s Station. The following year, she was selected for the city's traffic position, addressing traffic‑related issues and safety concerns throughout the city. In 2015, she advanced to the role of Sex Crimes detective, investigating cases involving adult and juvenile victims.

Her investigative experience expanded further in 2016 when she was selected for the Homicide Unit. During her five years with the unit, Lt. Patron investigated homicides, in‑custody deaths, officer‑involved shootings, suspicious deaths, and other major cases. In 2021, she was appointed as the Sheriff’s International Liaison, working closely with regional partners, international consultants, and foreign law enforcement agencies. Her responsibilities included coordinating fugitive returns, facilitating international victim interviews, and assisting with cross‑border death notifications.

Lt. Patron was promoted to Sheriff’s Sergeant in 2022 and assigned to the Santee Patrol Station, where she served as a patrol sergeant for one year. In 2023, she transferred to the Criminal Intelligence Unit as the Threat Assessment Group Sergeant, overseeing six detectives and a crime analyst. Her team evaluated threats directed at Sheriff’s Office personnel and county employees. In 2024, she was selected to work in the Internal Affairs Unit, conducting investigations into employee misconduct.

In 2025, Lt. Patron was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assumed command of the Alpine Station. She supervised four patrol sergeants, sixteen patrol deputies, three detectives, and three professional staff members, managing all daily station operations.

Lt. Patron currently serves in the Office of the Sheriff as a Special Assistant to Sheriff Martinez. In this role, she acts as the department’s Tribal Liaison and works closely with the County Administrator’s Office on constituent services.

A San Diego native, Lt. Patron is the first in her family to enter law enforcement. She holds an associate degree in modern policing and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement advancement. From a young age, she aspired to serve her community through law enforcement and is proud to continue that service with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.