Founded in 1974, the Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association is a prestigious organization of business, community leaders and service-minded citizens dedicated to supporting law enforcement countywide. As a non-profit and non-political organization, the HDSA is unique as an ally of the Sheriff’s Department and the county’s nine police departments

While all HSDA members are personally commissioned by the Sheriff, the HDSA itself is governed by the membership and their duly elected Board of Directors. The by-laws set limits for membership at 1,000 as well as the conditions of membership, dues, and other matters.

While the HDSA operates much like service clubs such as Kiwanis or Rotary, it never loses sight of its primary mission. Important HDSA programs include: Law enforcement training activities, providing equipment and training facilities for law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County, and awards a handgun certificate to the top shooter graduating from the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Training Center.

The HDSA also constructed the Tactical Training Facility, a Canine Training Course, and S.W.A.T. Obstacle Course at the Sheriff’s MCAS Miramar site. Most recently, the HDSA helped fund a new training facility at Otay Mesa and Sheriff’s Museum in Old Town. These important facilities, worth millions of dollars, serve all law enforcement agencies in San Diego and were constructed without cost to the taxpayers. The HDSA also purchased law enforcement training and safety equipment the Sheriff’s Department could not otherwise afford, as well as providing funds for management and technology training for all local agencies.

The total membership meets at least quarterly, has a great time, gets “insider” briefings on what is really happening in criminal justice, and enjoys knowing that they are indispensable to our mission of protecting the citizens and providing for public safety.