Harbor Police

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At the Ready

Readiness is the key element that sets the Port of San Diego Harbor Police officers apart. The unique security requirements around San Diego Bay include aviation and maritime safety in addition to traditional policing. Harbor Police officers are not just cross-trained in multiple disciplines, they are ready to put any of those skills to use at a moment’s notice.

Whatever the situation, whatever the threat, the Harbor Police officers are ready to respond. This sense of being “At the Ready” communicates the ever-present, round-the-clock commitment that Harbor Police have to the San Diego Bay community and visitors in their care. It carries a promise that these expert officers have the necessary preparation and unparalleled skills to deal with anything that comes their way.

We're Hiring

Vision, Mission & Values

Vision:
To be the global leader in maritime and aviation public safety.

Mission:
To provide the highest quality of public service through crime prevention, homeland security, and quality of life for our communities.

Core Values:

Relationships
Every Harbor Police employee is a Department ambassador and will foster healthy relationships with our co-workers, our community, and our colleagues.
Ownership
The individual and collective responsibility to maintain a strong work ethic requires us to be relentless in the performance of our duties to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Initiative
We will always be prepared and assertive in our endless pursuit of achieving the Mission, Vision and Values of the Port of San Diego and the Harbor Police Department.

A Team for Every Skillset

We're Hiring! Apply here!

VEHICLE PATROL

VEHICLE PATROL

Vehicle patrol operations handles the majority of landside calls for service along the waterfront, across five different cities, enforcing California state law in addition to local ordinance.

BICYCLE PATROL
A specially trained group of officers who patrol the Port's waterfront parks and adjacent piers and boardwalks around the bay, effectively curbing criminal activity.

TRAFFIC COLLISION TEAM
Highly trained officers responsible for the investigation of major vehicle collisions within the Port's jurisdiction, investigating collisions with serious inquiries or fatalities.

HARBOR POLICE COMMAND VAN
A mobile communications platform allowing for advanced interoperability with neighboring agencies, as well as remote camera surveillance, aiding in the protection of the critical incident command center and its personnel.

Ready to join the team? Apply
VESSEL PATROL

VESSEL PATROL

Officers are ready to respond to any police or fire-related call in San Diego Bay including marinas, anchorages, moorings, shipyards, and cargo and cruise ship terminals. Officers conduct security escorts for incoming cruise ships and assist the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal partners as needed.

VESSEL COLLISION TEAM
Specially trained to investigate complex vessel accidents on the water, given the difficulty of preserving evidence in a maritime environment.

SAFE BOATS
Harbor Police operate SAFE (Secure Around Habitation Equipped) boats in San Diego Bay, coastal waters, and during smuggling interdict patrols, with rapid movement capabilities ideal for pursuit, interdictions and boardings.

BAY CONTROL OFFICER
Responsible for issues relating to vessel impounds, anchorage permits, environmental spills and maritime related crimes.

Ready to join the team? Apply
Dive & Rescue

Dive & Rescue

Specially trained in search and rescue, vehicle recovery and many other surface and underwater capabilities, the Dive Team can respond to any type of water emergency, 24 hours a day. The team is part of the San Diego Regional Aquatic Lifesaving Emergency Response Task Force, created to partner with maritime entities to respond to mass-rescue and mass-casualty
aquatic events.

UNDERWATER CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
The Dive and Rescue team is also trained in the unique skills necessary to conduct underwater crime scene investigations in San Diego Bay. The team handles evidence and body recovery and underwater explosive detection in the depths of the Bay.

Ready to join the team? Apply
Marine Firefighting

Marine Firefighting

All Harbor Police officers are cross trained as marine firefighters, with ongoing training conducted by the in-house Fire Training Unit. Officers stay proficient throughout the year with a semi-annual fire refresher class on firefighting procedures, so they are ready to combat vessel fires and help get passengers to safety.

FIRESTORM

Firestorm vessels are both police and fire response assets. With twin diesel jet drives, the Firestorms have more maneuverability than any vessel with outboard or inboard engines. They reach speeds of 45 miles per hour and can pump seawater for firefighting operations.

Ready to join the team? Apply
MARTAC

MARTAC

MARITIME TACTICAL TEAM (MARTAC)

Composed of SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) trained officers, who specialize in waterborne operations. Members train continually for a variety of situations such as armed ship boarding, vessel interdiction, non-compliant vessel boarding's and warrant service.

MARITIME TACTICAL TRAINER

The Mar-Tac trainer is designed for both law enforcement and marine firefighting training. The interior simulates a shipboard environment complete with hatches, stairwells and ladders, allowing officers to practice ship boarding's, room clearing, and team movements in confined spaces. Two burn chambers fitted with a propane-based live fire system, with real fire, heat and non-toxic smoke simulate conditions found in a live fire emergency.

Ready to join the team? Apply
AIRPORT PATROL

AIRPORT PATROL

Responsible for providing law enforcement services at the San Diego International Airport, working closely with airport operations and federal partners in responding to radio calls and emergencies within the terminals, parking lots, and on-board aircraft. Officers conduct routine foot and vehicle patrols, offering additional security as needed.

EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINE (K9) TEAM

The only TSA certified explosive detection team in San Diego County, assigned primarily to the San Diego International Airport and available to respond to all parts of San Diego County.

Ready to join the team? Apply
HOMELAND SECURITY

HOMELAND SECURITY

HOMELAND SECURITY SECTION

Develops and coordinates a comprehensive and integrated Homeland Security program, reviewing threat and vulnerability assessments and developing strategic plans and policies in compliance with local, state and federal security regulations.

MARINE TASK FORCE

A Department of Homeland Security task force responsible for combating human trafficking, narcotics, money, and guns across the U.S./Mexican maritime border.

NARCOTICS TASK FORCE

A partner in the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Regional Narcotics Task Force, whose mission is to intercept money and narcotics being smuggled through San Diego's transit centers.

JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE

A regional partner with the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force, this task force is responsible for conducting terrorist threat assessments and field interviews within the San Diego region.

Ready to join the team? Apply
TRAINING

TRAINING

TRAINING SECTION

Coordinates all training efforts, ensuring the department meets state mandates and training requirements. Also coordinates recruitment and training efforts in cross-function areas after graduating from regional police training academy.

FORCE TRAINING SECTION

Incorporates multiple force disciplines, including Weapons, Defensive Tactics, Less Lethal, Chemical Agent and TASER® training, with diligent training on when and how to use force.

STATE DEPARTMENT PARTNERSHIP

Harbor Police supports the U.S. State Department with international training efforts for law enforcement officers abroad, training agencies in dive operations and maritime patrol.

Ready to join the team? Apply

COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Harbor Police dispatchers respond to all types of law enforcement calls, as well as fire emergencies, medical emergencies, environmental issues and maritime service requests.

RECORDS SECTION

Responsible for processing, maintaining and releasing official police reports and records for the Department to the public and stakeholders.

RESERVE SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Retired citizens donate their time and take an active role in their community by conducting crime prevention patrols and assisting during major events.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS

Patrol the waterfront to enforce parking regulations, control and regulate vehicular and pedestrian traffic at Port facilities, and during accidents and special events.

HONOR GUARD

A precision marching and drill unit, performing and presenting Colors at Port events, San Diego Padres pre-game festivities, police academy graduations, parades and memorials.

INVESTIGATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE SECTION

Follow-up investigations on cases filed with the City or District Attorney’s offices and coordination with investigators from the Port’s five member cities.

CONTACT INFORMATION

EMERGENCY Dial 911 or 619.223.1133	RECORDS 619.686.6596
SAN DIEGO HARBOR POLICE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER (Non-Emergency Line) 619.686.6272	MOORING OFFICE 619.686.6227
REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY iwatchmybay@portofsandiego.org	PORT OF SAN DIEGO 619.686.6200