Since the city's incorporation in 1977, the county Sheriff's Department has been providing contracted law enforcement services to Lemon Grove. The sheriff's station shares a building with City Hall.
The Lemon Grove station is the busiest East County hub for the sheriff, serving additionally as headquarters for law enforcement services for the unincorporated communities of Spring Valley, Casa de Oro, Mt. Helix, Jamul and Rancho San Diego.
In addition to regular patrols, the sheriff's station also handles traffic, crime prevention, investigations and has a volunteer senior patrol program.