About San Diego Police Department

Situated on the West Coast of the United States, San Diego is the second-most populous city in the state of California. According to 2018 U.S. Census, San Diego’s population is estimated to be 1.5 million, making it the eighth-largest city in the country. San Diego has for long been considered “the birthplace of California” because it was the first place spotted by Spanish colonists on the West Coast of the country.

San Diego Police Department (SDPD) was founded in 1889, with the motto: America’s Finest, that which it strives to be to this day. Currently headquartered at 1401 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101, the SDPD oversees over 10 police stations and 1 correction center that falls under its jurisdiction. For better policing and patrolling the city is divided into 9 geographical divisions. The Department comprises 1834 full-time sworn officers and is headed by the Chief of the SDPD. To render specialized services, the department is divided into 43 units.

The Department offers myriad services to keep the city crime-free. The Neighborhood Watch program is one of these services. It is a unique program that seeks to act before a crime is committed, and is regarded as the most effective of its kind in the country. The Program tries to systemically and institutionally dissuade people from involving in criminal activities and activities that violate State and Federal Law. The Crime Free Multi Housing scheme was initiated to prevent crimes perpetrated in multi-unit rental property. SDPD officers also officer voluntary assistance to the elderly through the You Are Not Alone (YANA) Checks program.

The SDPD has brought in a new application and testing process. The first step to be recruited is to take the written test, administered by San Diego’s Personnel Department. Test dates can be reserved by visiting the Personnel Department’s Open Job Opportunities online portal and filling out the online application for the desired post. After the written test, a physical abilities test is conducted, followed by a thorough Background Investigation procedure, an interview with the appointing authority, a Psychological Evaluation and a Medical Evaluation procedure. Posts within the SDPD are of high demand and the applicants with the best caliber are chosen.