Karla began her law enforcement career in June 2001 and after completing the law enforcement regional academy, she worked various assignments including the Las Colinas Detention Facility, the San Diego Courthouse, and the North Coastal Patrol Station, where she worked patrol and the Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving Team before being assigned as an area detective at the Fallbrook Substation.

In 2014, Karla promoted to sergeant, and worked multiple assignments including the Vista Patrol Station, the Rancho San Diego Patrol Station (RSD), the RSD Crime Suppression Team, and the RSD and Lemon Grove patrol stations area investigations sergeant.

In June 2018, Karla promoted to lieutenant and was assigned to the Communications Center before transferring to the Narcotics and Gang Division where she managed the East County Regional Gang Task Force, the East County Gang Street Team, and the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force. Karla's last assignment as a lieutenant was at the Valley Center Substation.

In February 2022, Karla was promoted to Captain and was briefly assigned back to the Communications Center and Property Evidence Division before being selected as the captain of the Poway, Ramona, and 4S Ranch Patrol Stations.

In March 2023, Karla promoted to the rank of Commander and is currently assigned to the Human Resource Services Bureau. Her responsibilities include recruiting, backgrounds, labor relations, payroll, the Medical Liaison Unit (MLU) and Risk Management.

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.