On Saturday, June 23, 2007, the San Diego Police Department held its first ever career fair at the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Training Center located at Miramar College. The career fair showcased many of the Department’s elite units such as S.W.A.T, Motor patrol unit, Mounted Enforcement, Harbor Patrol and K-9 among many more. Officers from each of these units along with the Department’s cutting edge recruiting and backgrounds unit were present to speak one on one with the several hundreds in attendance interested in career opportunities with the San Diego Police Department. A highlight of the event was the Department’s display of its nationally recognized Air support unit, ABLE. One of the four newly acquired, high tech “Astar” helicopters was on scene for public viewing. Sergeant Bill Woods and air support pilot, Officer Robert Daun fielded questions from the community regarding the importance of having an air support unit. As a note of mention, from 2006 to date the Department’s helicopters assisted in apprehending over 1,178 suspects, involved in 58 vehicle and 60 foot pursuits, recovered 114 stolen vehicles, worked 359 LoJack cases and located 25 missing persons.
Visitors also had the rare opportunity to participate in the police academies interactive firearms and driving simulators. This provided a unique experience that gave the public an intense look of what officers would encounter in the field during a pursuit or violent confrontation. Child safety identity kits were provided courtesy of the San Diego Juvenile Services Team and some very helpful information was distributed by the cities parking enforcement and code compliance and special events traffic coordinators. In addition to the specialized units on scene, members from local and national community organizations were present including, Mothers against drunk driving (M.A.D.D), Psychiatric emergency response team (P.E.R.T), San Diego Family Justice Center, Crime Stoppers, Crisis intervention and Homeland Security. There were plenty of attractions and entertainment for everyone. Radio EXA 91.7 provided musical entertainment and prizes while the San Diego Police Historical Society exhibited vintage police cars. In all, the career fair was a big success gaining local and national media coverage. An exclusive interview was conducted by Jim Lehrer of PBS with Chief William Lansdowne highlighting the progressive and enhanced recruiting strategies being carried out by the Departments innovating recruiting unit. We would like to thank everyone for their assistance in making the event the best law enforcement career fair ever. Very special thanks is given to Mayor Jerry Sanders, the South Crest and Golden Hill recreation centers of San Diego, 10News.com, Univision KBNT San Diego, Radio EXA 91.7, Rite Aid of Bonita, Ca and Big City Bagels.
