Meet Oxnard Police Department Corporal David Castillo!
Corporal Castillo was born in Camarillo and raised in the Port Hueneme / South Oxnard area. He attended E.O. Green Jr. High and Hueneme High School before continuing his education at Ventura College, Oxnard College, Universal Technical Institute (Certificate in Automotive Technology), and Union Institute and University (Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management). David’s early employment experience included working as a delivery driver for Pizza Hut, an automotive technician at Honda of Oxnard, and a dispatcher for Pepperdine University’s Department of Public Safety. Growing up, he always knew he wanted a career in which he would be able to make a difference and have a positive impact on the community of Oxnard. While he was attending Hueneme High School in January of 2001, he was close to a hostage situation on campus. He recalls, “I witnessed the heroism of the officers that day and it had a major influence on my life.
”David began his career with the Oxnard Police Department in 2010. He has worked a wide variety of assignments, including: Reserve Officer, Patrol, Central Business District Officer, Crisis Intervention Team Officer, Homeless Liaison Officer, Explorer Advisor, Assistant Reserve Coordinator, Field Training Officer, Department Driving Instructor, Academy EVOC instructor, Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit (drones), Gas Mask Program, Mentor for DRAGG Program, and he is currently the Beat Coordinator on the Neighborhood Policing Team in Beat 11. When asked about his favorite assignments, Corporal Castillo said, “I have two equally favorite assignments: Field Training Officer and Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit. I enjoyed my years as a Field Training Officer because it allowed me to be a part of the growth and maturity of new officers. Seeing them develop their skills and complete field training was very rewarding. I also enjoy being a pilot for the U.A.S. Unit. The drones are amazing tools and are a big asset in the safety of the public and officers.
”His favorite thing about being an Oxnard Police Officer is serving and protecting his community and knowing that we have so many people at our department dedicated to that same idea. “Many amazing people contribute in so many different aspects,” he adds. In the future, he hopes to help grow the capabilities of the U.A.S. Unit and some day promote to Sergeant. He also plans to further his education and pursue a Master's degree.
On days off, David enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys (10, 8, and 2). They like to take their trailer out camping, go to amusement parks, watch movies, go for drives, and root for the Dodgers. His hobby is working on his “Old School” Honda vehicles. An interesting fact about David? He says, “My Grandfather was a Filipino prisoner of war during WW2. To honor his memory, several members of my family and I have completed the Bataan Memorial Death March multiple times. It’s 26.2 miles with a 35lb ruck through the New Mexico desert at the White Sands Missile Range.”