What Does San Diego Police Department Do?

Total employees2600
HeadquartersSan Diego
Founded1889

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) is the primary law enforcement agency for the city of San Diego, California. Committed to public safety, the department focuses on crime prevention, law enforcement, and community policing initiatives. SDPD serves a diverse population and a large geographic area, employing sworn officers and civilian support staff to carry out its mission of maintaining peace and order, protecting life and property, and fostering positive relationships with the community. The department is organized into various divisions and specialized units to address the unique safety needs of San Diego's neighborhoods.

Where Is San Diego Police Department's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the central administrative and operational hub for the San Diego Police Department, housing the Chief of Police's office, executive staff, major investigative units, internal affairs, and support services.

Notable Features:

A modern, multi-story facility designed to support complex law enforcement operations, including a communications center, emergency operations capabilities, and secure areas for sensitive police work.

Work Culture:

Characterized by a professional, disciplined, and service-oriented environment. Officers and staff often work under high-pressure situations, requiring teamwork, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service and community welfare.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters is the nerve center for policing in San Diego, coordinating city-wide law enforcement efforts, policy implementation, and strategic planning to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters building reflects the department's commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and public trust, providing a visible and accessible center for police operations in the city.

Location:

As a municipal law enforcement agency, the San Diego Police Department's primary jurisdiction is within the city limits of San Diego. However, it collaborates extensively with regional, state, federal (e.g., FBI, DEA, DHS), and international law enforcement agencies, particularly on issues related to cross-border crime due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. This includes task forces, information sharing, and joint operations. They may also participate in international training or exchange programs for law enforcement best practices.

Street Address:

1401 Broadway

City:

San Diego

State/Province:

CA

Country:

USA

Where Else Does San Diego Police Department Operate Around the World?

San Diego, CA/USA

Address: 4275 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA 92037

To serve the specific public safety needs of communities in the northern sector of San Diego, including areas like La Jolla, University City, and Mira Mesa, by ensuring rapid response and tailored community engagement.

San Diego, CA/USA

Address: 2501 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102

To provide dedicated police services to the bustling urban core of San Diego, including the Gaslamp Quarter, East Village, and Barrio Logan, focusing on issues pertinent to a dense metropolitan area.

San Diego, CA/USA

Address: 10381 Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92131

To ensure the safety and security of residents in areas like Scripps Ranch, Rancho Peñasquitos, and Mira Mesa East, addressing local concerns and promoting proactive policing initiatives.

Buying Intent Signals for San Diego Police Department

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading San Diego Police Department? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, San Diego Police Department' leadership includes:

Scott Wahl - Chief of Police
Chris McGrath - Executive Assistant Chief of Police
Steve Hutchinson - Assistant Chief, Special Operations
Tom Underwood - Assistant Chief, Operations Support
Michelle Aguilar - Assistant Chief, Investigations
Corinne Jennings - Assistant Chief, Community Relations
Matt Dobbs - Assistant Chief, Patrol Operations

Who's Investing in San Diego Police Department?

San Diego Police Department has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Not applicable. As a public municipal agency, the San Diego Police Department is funded through city taxes, grants, and other public funds, not by private investors.

What Leadership Changes Has San Diego Police Department Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits1

Over the past year, the San Diego Police Department saw a significant leadership transition with the retirement of Chief David Nisleit and the subsequent appointment of Scott Wahl as the new Chief of Police. Other command staff changes may occur due to promotions and reassignments.

Departures

David Nisleit, Chief David Nisleit announced his retirement, concluding his tenure leading the SDPD. His official retirement date was June 7, 2024, after using accrued leave.

New Appointments:

Scott Wahl, Scott Wahl was appointed and sworn in as the new Chief of Police, previously serving as Assistant Chief.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used bySan Diego Police Department?

Discover the tools San Diego Police Department uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

San Diego Police Department Email Formats and Examples

The San Diego Police Department, as part of the City of San Diego municipal government, primarily uses email addresses ending with the '@sandiego.gov' domain. Common formats include first initial followed by last name, or sometimes full name combinations. For public inquiries, it's best to use official contact forms or general email addresses provided on their website.

[first_initial][last]@sandiego.gov or [first_name][last_name]@sandiego.gov

Format

swahl@sandiego.gov

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About San Diego Police Department?

City of San Diego • March 22, 2024

San Diego Police Department news title: Scott Wahl Sworn In as San Diego’s 37th Chief of Police

Scott Wahl was formally sworn in as the 37th Chief of Police for the City of San Diego. Chief Wahl, a 26-year veteran of SDPD, emphasized his commitment to community policing, officer wellness, and addressing violent crime....more

FOX 5 San Diego • July 10, 2024

San Diego Police Department news title: SDPD lieutenant honored for saving man’s life

An SDPD lieutenant was honored Tuesday for saving a man’s life during a medical emergency at a local gym. Lt. Ernesto Servin with the San Diego Police Department was recognized by the San Diego City Council for his heroic actions....more

NBC San Diego • June 7, 2024

San Diego Police Department news title: 'It's been an honor': SDPD Chief Nisleit signs off for the last time

San Diego Police Department Chief David Nisleit signed off for the last time on Friday, June 7, 2024, after more than three decades of service. His successor, Scott Wahl, had already been sworn in....more

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