SJPD: Historical Stories

Do you have a story from your career you'd like to share?

Background

In 2025, the concept of documenting stories from SJPD careers was brought about by Retired Sgt. Brad Barnett #1833 (past president of the SJPD Historical Society) and Nicole Decker (Lead Administrator & Graphic Designer of the SJPOA). 

The main purpose of the Historical Stories website is to document and retain stories from active or retired SJPD members, including Reserves. Family members may also submit a story if the prior SJPD member has passed away or is unable to submit the story or stories by him or herself.

Rules for submitting a story:

Any story being submitted should meet the following criteria:

1. All stories must be TRUE.

2. Stories should not demean or embarrass other members of SJPD or the SJPOA without the members knowledge or consent.

3. The person submitting a story should have first hand knowledge of the story by having been present at the time of the event or told by a person who was present at the time of the event. The hope is that this aspect will keep the story as factually correct as possible.

4. Although violence and brutality are a constant aspect of law enforcement, the graphic nature and language of any story should be kept to a minimum.

Believe It Or Not

Any stories submitted that fall into a category of "Believe It Or Not" will be reviewed by a Historical Stories Administrator with the possibility of being copied to an additional folder, "Believe It Or Not." The hope is that this folder will one day be the basis for the publication of a book "SJPD: Believe It Or Not" with money raised from the net sales to benefit the San Jose Police Chaplaincy Program.

Enter your story here

Submit multiple stories and/or photos in this section. We are accepting the following file formats: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .pdf, .docx. If you have a different format, please email Nicole at: nicole@sjpoa.com.

Questions? nicole@sjpoa.com