Frequently Asked Questions
I think my car was towed. What do I do?
The first thing to do is call Port of San Diego Harbor Police. The phone number and additional instructions are on our Vehicle Towing and Impound page.
How do I obtain copies of a police report?
Is the Harbor Police Department currently hiring?
Yes! The Harbor Police Department offers testing for employment frequently throughout the year.
Click here for more information and apply
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.
How do I obtain an anchoring permit, mooring or transient slip rental in San Diego Bay?
San Diego Bay Online Boating Reservations
San Diego Bay is a recreational haven that attracts boaters from all over the world. To make the bay more accessible and enjoyable, the Port of San Diego provides temporary anchorage areas for boaters.
The Port has established an online reservation service. Boaters may choose from anchorages or guest docks.
- Anchorages are a maximum of 72-hour reservation. There must be a 24-hour gap before applying for another permit.
- Guest docks allow you to stay 15 days in a 40-day period. The docks are located at the southwestern end of Shelter Island.
Reservations were accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Check Availability and Make a Reservation
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 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.
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.