The City of San Diego is California’s second largest city in population with over 1 million inhabitants. The city has a mild climate with access to beaches, lakes, mountain ranges, and deserts.
The men and women of the department know that it takes an exceptional type of individual to put personal interests on hold and serve the nation abroad. They understand that individuals who serve in the military abide by the guiding principles of honor, integrity, loyalty, trust, respect and justice. To serve in the military, one must have determination, resilience, a strong work ethic and uncompromised commitment. Veterans and active duty military personnel, by and large, already have the high moral character and strong work ethic that are critical for the effective and just enforcement of the city’s laws.
The San Diego Police Department actively tests at Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego. The department has also attended career fairs at Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Base Coronado, Marine Corps Combat Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Fort Irwin, and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.
Officer Taerance Oh served in the United States Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001, most recently as a sergeant. His main responsibilities in the military were as an anti-tank assault man. Now Oh is a Police Officer II, and works as a Police Academy training officer.
He started working at the San Diego Police Department in 2003. During his police career, he has worked on the Central Division Patrol, Central Division Neighborhood Resource Team, Vice Unit, Gang Unit, and SWAT.
College degrees also help, so Oh encourages servicemembers and veterans to take advantage of any schooling opportunities. “Continue with your education,” he said. “Within two years of working as a police officer, you will be paid more for having your college degree. Also, having a degree will make you a more viable candidate for promotion to sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and more.