U.S Veterans are highly sought after candidates, you know the value of team work and dedication to a profession … NOW JOIN OUR TEAM!
Military to SPD
They served their country; now, they serve their community. Many Stockton Police Officers served in the military and bring a vast array of skills and experience to the benefit of their community.
Please read their testimonials below:
Officer Sat Le
United States Navy Veteran
I spent my enlistment in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and was stationed with the Marines at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, where I was a laboratory technician. My decision to join the Navy was because I wanted to serve my country and make a difference. My decision for becoming a Stockton Police Officer was for the same reasons — I wanted to serve my community.
Lieutenant Toby Will
United States Marine Corps Veteran
Upon graduating from high school in 1986, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent to “Boot Camp” at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego California. I graduated from Basic Training as a Private First Class (PFC), and then received training as a Combat Engineer. In June of 1987.
I was shipped overseas to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. While in Okinawa, I meritoriously promoted to the NCO ranks and attended NCO School at Camp Kinser. After promoting, I left the Engineers and was assigned to Third Battalion, Seventh Marine Division as a Combat Squad Leader, where I trained with “S.T.A. Platoon” at the Northern Training Area (NTA). After training with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, I was assigned to 9th Marines, Camp Hansen Security Forces, where I served as “Corporal of the Guard,” “Honor Guard,” and held the Staff Sergeant billet of “Commander of the Guard.”
I was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps towards the end of 1990. I had a strong interest in law enforcement because of its military similarities. I remember going through Military Separations at Camp Pendleton, where several law enforcement agencies came and spoke to Marines getting ready to discharge. After hearing what they had to say, I knew law enforcement would be the career I would seek.
I applied to several agencies, just hoping to get a foot in the door. I was immediately contacted by the Stockton Police Department, who advised me that they were hiring. I went on a “ride-along” with one of the Officers from Stockton and was amazed at the pace of the city. I remember the Officer telling me that “If you want to be a cop, Stockton is the place to be.” Stockton is definitely “High Speed – Low Drag.”
Officer Dan Grauman
United States Marine Corps Veteran
I served under the current commandant of the Marine Corps, General Hagee. I was attached to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, G-7 Battle Simulations Center, and Camp Pendleton California. I specialized in Warfare Simulation and Special Mission Tactics. I also received training in Close Quarters Combat, Aggressor Tactics, and Reconnaissance.
I chose to work in Stockton because I knew I would never be bored at work. The experience you get from working in a place like Stockton is invaluable. The Stockton Police Department spends a lot of money making sure their Officers have all the latest and best equipment available. As opposed to working in a smaller town where you might not get the variety of calls that you get here in Stockton, working here definitely keeps you on your toes.
Stockton is an exciting city to work in. The pay is good and people that work at this Department are great. There are also a lot of former and current military members that work for our Department. I have found that the city of Stockton offers many recreational activities you can take advantage of during your off time. In Stockton we have professional baseball, hockey, arena football, and indoor soccer teams just to name a few. Stockton is a fun and exciting city to work in; I can’t believe they pay me to do what I do.
The Stockton Police Department is dedicated to making a difference in our community. The Department is comprised of over 300 sworn Officers and over 150 civilian personnel. Working as a Police Officer in Stockton is very rewarding and offers a variety of opportunities.
Officer Clarence Yates
United States Navy Veteran
I was an Electrician’s Mate aboard the USS Mars AFS1. While on the WESTPAC, I had an opportunity to visit the Philippines; Yokuska, Japan; Thailand; and Korea. I found that the highlight of my enlistment in the Navy was serving my country during the Gulf War in 1990.
I chose a career in law enforcement because I enjoy interacting with people. I also wanted a field job with responsibility, and as a Police Officer I am mostly self-supervised. I became a Stockton Police Officer because I live here and wanted to make a difference in my community, where I am raising my family.
If you are thinking about becoming a Stockton Police Officer, I want to tell you this: You will get a lot of experience in a short amount of time, and you will be surrounded by peers who have a lot of knowledge and experience. This is a great Department for becoming a very good Police Officer.
The Stockton Police Department, an innovative, diverse, and progressive organization is looking for people of all backgrounds and interests who are seeking a challenging opportunity to become actively involved in our community. Located in California’s fertile Delta, with 1,000 miles of waterways, 90 miles from San Francisco, and only hours to some of the best snow-skiing in the world, Stockton is an affordable community with great educational opportunities, such as the University of Pacific, California State University-Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Delta College. The Stockton Police Department is a growing agency accepting applications for trainees, recruits, academy graduates, and laterals. Interested, but have yet to attend a police academy?
Let us pay for your academy training and pay you a salary while you attend.
