SDPD/SDSO/SD Area LE Experience

[epwegmann]

A little background:
I'm currently active duty Navy here in San Diego, and after 8 years, I will be separating next April. I've taken a pretty serious interest in the possibility of law enforcement as my next carrer.

That being said, it turns out a good portion of PD's in the area are hiring; I'm really just looking for anyone's experience working for any of these departments. How's the hiring process, what could I look forward to for benefits, how much a preference do they give veterans, tips for the applying, etc?

I'm currently deployed but due back around October, would it be wrong of me to apply to multiple PD's at once?
As the title states, I was mainly looking at SDPD and SDSO, but would be willing to work as far north as Escondido and as far east as El Cajon.
Thanks in advance any info,feel free to post or PM me.
-Erik

[epwegmann]

Just wanted to bump this. I've received quite a few PM's with information that have been really helpful and have provided some insight. If anyone else has any more information, please post it here so others may see, or if you prefer, PM me.

[Spanky8601]

I am not from the San Diego area, but. If you are looking at a next year start date, start the application process as soon as you can. Usually, the process will take 6-8 months on a best case. Each jurisdiction will have their own process, so check each city/jurisdiction's web page and carefully follow the directions.

If your current assignment will allow time, sign up for a Spanish Class or invest in a Rosetta Stone program, this will look very good to hiring panel. Plus when you get out on the streets it can be invaluable.

Good luck and thanks for your service.

[ak_in_ca]

SD area PD's are all quite good departments. SDPD is really trying to work through their pay issues but in my opinion is one of the best departments in the nation as far as quality of their officers and training. Other great departments are Chula Vista, Oceanside is big on hiring prior military as well as Escondido. Really there are no bad departments I would advise against in SD county. Biggest thing is to decide what you want to ultimately do in your career.

If you want to be a patrol officer pushing a black and white in a fairly laid back area. Stick to Carlsbad PD, Coronado or SD Harbor Police if you want to push a black and white with some very varied good to bad areas look into Escondido, Chula, El Cajon, Oceanside. If you want to move into specialized teams and promote stick with the larger agencies like SDSO or SDPD since they have more room for advancement. Good luck with wherever you go, SD LE agencies are truely top notch.

[ARinSD]

OP... not sure if your heart is set on local PD... but you might want to look into DHS (border patrol/cbp officer) as a career.

DHS is pretty good about hiring former military and you can request San Diego Sector when you apply. Check out cpb.gov and click on careers.