Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Harbor Police Department currently hiring?
The Harbor Police Department offers testing for employment frequently throughout the year.
The San Diego Harbor Police Department is the law enforcement authority for the San Diego Unified Port District. We offer a wide array of opportunities, from vehicle patrol to marine firefighter to explosives K-9 handler at Lindbergh Field.
If you are a current police officer or have graduated from a police academy and hold a P.O.S.T. certificate, you may apply as a lateral applicant. Announcements can be found on the Employment Opportunities page when the Port is accepting lateral applications. You can also fill out a job interest card, to let us know you are interested in working for the Harbor Police.
If you have never held the status of a sworn police officer, you must apply as a trainee. Trainee applicants must first successfully complete the Harbor Police Officer Trainee written exam. Test dates and details, along with the application, will be posted on the Employment Opportunities page when an exam is announced.
Personal History Statement
The information you provide in this Personal History Statement (PHS) will be used in the background investigation to determine your suitability for the position of California Peace Officer. Please download from the California State Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) website:
- Personal History Statement - Peace Officer (scroll down to Form 2-251 Personal History Statement - Peace Officer)
Employee Benefits
For additional information regarding employment with the San Diego Harbor Police, call the Harbor Police Recruiter at 619.686.6315, or email us at HR-Updates@PortofSanDiego.org.
Selection Process
Applicants must successfully complete the following process to receive employment consideration:
- Written Examination
- Physical Agility Test
- Screening Interview
- Polygraph Examination
- Extensive Background Investigation
- Appointing Authority Interview
- Psychological Examination
- Medical Examination
Written Test
Our officer written exam is similar to the sample tests you can find on the P.O.S.T. (Police Officer's Standards and Training) website.The website also contains a sample test booklet.
What services does the Harbor Police Department provide and what is the department's jurisdiction?
The Harbor Police Department provides uniformed police services and marine fire fighting within the territorial limits of the Port of San Diego. The department's services include professional law enforcement and support staff interacting with the public to ensure a safe and secure environment at Lindbergh Field, on San Diego Bay and on Tidelands.
What is the difference between Harbor Police and Harbor Patrol?
The Harbor Police Department is a division of the Port of San Diego and provides law enforcement and marine fire fighting services to San Diego Bay. The Harbor Patrol is a division of the San Diego Police Department and provides law enforcement services only to San Diego's Mission Bay.
Why are the Harbor Police the law enforcement agency for the airport?
The airport was constructed on Port District tidelands (man made land) and so has been managed by the Port of San Diego. The Harbor Police Department is a division of the Port District and is responsible for law enforcement on all Port District properties. The Harbor Police Department will continue indefinitely to provide law enforcement services to San Diego International Airport after January 1st under contract with the new Regional Airport Authority.
How do I find out about Port District codes and regulations?
You can find them on the Public Records page or by emailing the Office of the District Clerk.
How do I obtain an anchoring permit, mooring or transient slip rental in San Diego Bay?
All anchoring permits, moorings and transient slip rentals must be requested from the Port District's Mooring Office. They can be contacted at (619) 686-6227. Reservations can be made online or at their office, located at 3380 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.
How do I get a dive permit in San Diego Bay and what is the criteria?
Dive permits are necessary for all underwater diving activities in San Diego Bay except to seaward of Ballast Point and as otherwise noted in the San Diego Unified Port District Code section 8.01.
For applications and further information, please contact:
- Harbor Police Records
619.686.6596
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(closed on alternate Fridays)
or visit:
Harbor Police Headquarters
3380 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
Can I get a special events permit?
Special events permits must be applied for through the Port District. Visit the Parks page for more information
How do I obtain copies of a police report?
An individual has a right to purchase public records related to their arrest. Below is information on how to do that.
Copies of police reports are available from the Harbor Police Records Division. There is a $1.00 per page processing fee for each report copy provided. The necessary application for requesting a police report can be obtained in person at Harbor Police Headquarters or can be downloaded below.
Reports involving an arrest can only be released by mail. All other reports can be mailed or picked up in person at Harbor Police Headquarters.
Request by mail:
To receive a report by mail, complete the application and mail it to Harbor Police Records Department, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope with a check or money order payable to the Port of San Diego. No cash will be accepted by mail.
Request in person:
Monday – Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m and Friday* from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
*The Port of San Diego Administrative Offices and HP Records are closed on alternate Fridays.
Please Note: Reports will not be emailed or faxed.
Certified Copy of Police Report | $1.00 per page |
Color Photographs | $5.00 for 1st photo $2.00 for each additional photo |
Photograph CD | $5.00 |
Subpoena Duces Tecum | $15.00 |
Address:
- San Diego Harbor Police
Attn: Records
3380 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101