JON CABRERA

INVESTIGATOR

Jon Cabrera began his law enforcement career in 1993 with the Palm Springs Police Department, serving as a Community Service Officer. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, where he completed the basic academy and worked at the Men’s Central Jail facility. In 1996, he lateraled to the City of Riverside, serving as a patrol officer for more than two years.

In 1998, Jon returned to Palm Springs as a police officer, where he continues to serve today. Throughout his career, he has worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, canine handler, and detective with a violent crime and gang task force. During this time, he also served as a use-of-force instructor, less-lethal munitions instructor, and long-time presenter for the department’s Community Police Academy. Jon was appointed to the SWAT team, where he held multiple roles over the course of his service.

Jon was promoted to sergeant in 2009 and went on to supervise patrol, the Property Crimes Unit, the use-of-force unit, the canine program, and the department’s firearms training range. He also spent several years on the Critical Incident Investigation Team, conducting complex administrative (Internal Affairs) investigations. Jon served 16 years on the SWAT team, including four years as Team Leader. In 2018, he identified a need to enhance public-venue readiness in Palm Springs and successfully launched the Designated Marksman Program for SWAT and PSPD officers—an initiative that provides a critical capability between the patrol rifle and a police sniper.

Jon’s commitment to professional development led him to graduate from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and the inaugural Strategic Leadership Program through the California Association of Tactical Officers (CATO). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management and has taught a range of law enforcement and tactical concepts nationwide. He continues to volunteer his time with CATO, serving on the Board of Directors and contributing to After Action Reviews of critical incidents as well as reviews and analyses of tactical teams throughout California.