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Port of San Diego Harbor Police Hiring Process

From training to anything.
At the ready.

Port of San Diego Harbor Police

At the ready - building the future

Are you interested in a career in Public Safety?

Join the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department

Click for recruitment flyer

The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department is currently accepting applications for Laterals and Dispatch positions.

Applications are open now:

Harbor Police Trainee Application* - Click here

Harbor Police Lateral Application* - Click here

Public Safety Dispatcher application* - Click here

Community Service Officer application* - Click here

* Applicants must attach their Personal History Statement (PHS) specific to the job they are applying for to the application, or the application will be incomplete.   

 

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Port of San Diego Harbor Police: Lateral $98,037-$120,574*

(step range 1 - 8)

Are you already an officer and looking for a change? We are looking for Laterals to join our team.

This position is for individuals who are currently a Sworn Police Officer, possess a valid POST certificate, graduated from a POST certified Police Academy or are currently attending a POST certified Police Academy and are in good attending.

click here for the Basic Course Waiver (BCW) process

*updated salary as of October 1, 2024.

Port of San Diego Harbor Police:
Trainee Starting Salary $89,124*

The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department protects the security of the beautiful San Diego Bay, the San Diego International Airport, and the Port of San Diego waterfront.

Trainee steps are outlined here

For future recruitments:

Sign up for Public Safety Job Opening Notificatons

*updated salary as of October 1, 2024.

Full Time Officer Benefits Include:

  • 144 hours of annual leave
  • 14 paid holidays
  • Employer-paid Health & Dental Benefits
  • Wellness Reimbursement
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Bilingual Pay (testing required)
  • Paid Parental Leave (4 weeks)
  • Retirement: 2.7% at age 57
  • Longevity Pay
  • Reciprocity available from most California agencies

All officers are cross-trained as marine firefighters with multiple specialty fields in the department including:

  • Maritime Tactical Team
  • Investigation & Intelligence
  • Joint Terrorism Task Force
  • Vessel Collision Investigation Team
  • Homeland Security
  • Explosive Detection Canine Team
  • Dive & Rescue Team
  • Narcotics Task Force

These teams come together to form a respected and multi-talented department of officers who ensure the safety and protection of residents and visitors to our waterfront.

Dispatch & Community Service Officer Benefits include:

  • 144 hours of annual leave
  • 14 paid holidays
  • Employer-paid Health & Dental Benefits
  • Wellness Reimbursement
  • On-site gym facilities
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Paid Parental Leave (4 weeks)
  • Hybrid Retirement Plan
  • 2.5% Bilingual pay (testing is required)

 

Port of San Diego Harbor Police Trainee Steps

Join the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department, a specialized cross-trained force in land, maritime and aviation security.

Click the dots below to see the Trainee steps.

STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION and PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS)
STEP 1: ONLINE APPLICATION and PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS)
Interested candidates NEED TO submit an application online at portofsandiego.org/careers.
Candidates must meet minimum qualifications including: 
  • possess a GED or High School Diploma
  • be at least age 20.5 years
  • be eligible to work in the U.S.

WHEN APPLYING, CANDIDATES CAN ALSO ATTACH A PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT (PHS) TO THEIR ONLINE APPLICATION.

As part of the application, applicants must also fill out an approximately 26-page Personal History Statement (PHS) and attach it to their online application. To download the form, go to the California State Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) website at www.POST.ca.gov/forms, scroll down and select Form 2-251 Personal History Statement - Peace Officer. The PHS includes an in depth history including:

  • Personal identifying info, relatives and other references, educational history, residential, employment, military, financial, legal, driving and other topics related to moral character
  • Minimum 10 years of employment history or from the age of 15
  • Minimum 10 years of residential history or from the age of 15
  • Immediate family: parents, spouse, registered domestic partner, siblings, children and or other family members 

Harbor Police background investigators review all submitted statements.

STEP 2: STATE PELLET B EXAM 
STEP 2: STATE PELLET B EXAM 
The California State POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery is scheduled only for candidates who turn in the PHS. The State PELLETB takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete, plus 45 minutes for instructions. You MUST bring a photo ID. The test includes:
  • vocabulary section
  • reading comprehension section
  • spelling section

All Scantrons test sheets are sent to POST in Sacramento for scoring. Scores are usually received approximately 10 business days after the exam. POST allows individuals to take the PELLETB Exam once every 30 days. The minimum required T-Score is a 42. A study guide for the PELLETB is available online at: https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/poWrittenPracticeTest.pdf.

STEP 3: PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST
STEP 3: PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST

Candidates who pass the State PELLETB Exam are scheduled for the Physical Agility Test in a local park. You MUST bring a photo ID and a copy of your POST Personal History Statement (POST2-251). You must sign a release of liability waiver in order to participate. The test is made up of an obstacle course which must be completed in 3 minutes and 40 seconds. There are 50 yards between each obstacle for a total 200 yard course.

Obstacle Course Elements:

  • 25 push-ups
  • 25 sit-ups
  • Carry a fire hose that weighs approximately 20 lbs. up 40 box steps
  • Drag 165 lb. dummy 32-feet
  • Jump over 2 foot and 3-foot sawhorse stands

Additionally, candidates must run 1.5 miles within 15 minutes.

STEP 4: BACKGROUND ORIENTATION W/POLYGRAPH INTERVIEW
STEP 4: BACKGROUND ORIENTATION W/POLYGRAPH INTERVIEW

Selected candidates will move on to the background orientation process which can take up to 6 months. Once notified, candidates should begin gathering the required documents, but should not submit documents until instructed to do so.

  • High School and/or College Diploma and sealed Transcripts
  • G.E.D. Certificate and G.E.D. Scores
  • Marriage Certificate(s)
  • Evidence of Divorce(s)
  • Selective Services Registration
  • Military Service Discharge (DD-214)
  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • California Driver License
  • Proof of Auto Insurance Policy
STEP 5: CHIEF OF HARBOR POLICE INTERVIEW
STEP 5: CHIEF OF HARBOR POLICE INTERVIEW

Chief of Harbor Police will review the candidates who pass the background orientation and polygraph interview. The Chief will make a determination of which candidates to interview and selected candidates will interview directly with the Chief. After interviews are complete, the Chief and recruitment team will confer and the Human Resources Department will make conditional job offers to selected candidates. 

STEP 6: MEDICAL SCREENING 
STEP 6: MEDICAL SCREENING 

Candidates will be evaluated by a licensed physician and surgeon to ensure they are free from any physical or medical condition that might adversely affect the exercise of power required of Harbor Police officers, in alignment with state standards.

STEP 7: PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM & INTERVIEW
STEP 7: PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAM & INTERVIEW

Candidates will be evaluated to ensure they are free from any emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of power required of Harbor Police officer, and to otherwise ensure the candidate is capable of withstanding the psychological demands of the position, in alignment with state standards.

STEP 8: ACADEMY TRAINING
STEP 8: ACADEMY TRAINING

Candidates who pass the water survival assessment will be sent to the San Diego Miramar College Regional Police Academy. The 25-week academy offers four cohorts per year. Physical training will consist of:

  • Speed and distance running
  • Weight training
  • Circuit training
  • Obstacle course
  • Dummy drag
  • 6-foot wall climbs
  • Timed run

At a minimum you should be able to continuously run for

  • 3 miles in 27 minutes or less (9 minute per mile pace or faster)
  • Perform multiple sets of 20–25 pushups and sit ups.

Recommended Preparation Program:

If you have not been training you should start immediately. Begin running 2–3 times per week gradually increasing the distance until you can run 3 miles continuously. Once you have achieved a 3-mile run gradually increase your intensity until you can complete the run in 24 minutes or less. One of your weekly runs should consist of hill, stair or interval training. Additionally you should do sets of pushups and sit ups 2–3 times per day focusing on full range of motion for each. Visit www.sdmiramar.edu for more information.

Once Trainees have graduated from the Police Academy, they will receive a 10% pay increase and additional uniform allowance.

STEP 9: HARBOR POLICE TRAINING
STEP 9: HARBOR POLICE TRAINING

After completing the police academy, trainees are then sent to the rigorous in-house Harbor Police training course.

  • This 8-week training course takes place on San Diego Bay.
  • Water survival Assessment:
    • Candidates will be assessed on their in-water comfort level. Assessments take place at a local community pool and candidates will be asked to:
      • Wear a 20-pound weight belt and a life preserver
      • Swim the length of the pool twice
      • Get in and out of the water using only upper body
  • It will include the final cross-training only Harbor Police officers receive.
  • This includes vessel patrol, vessel firefighting, and other maritime and aviation specific tactics unique to the Port of San Diego Harbor Police.

 

Harbor Police Photos