Don promoted to Sergeant in 1987 and was initially assigned to the patrol division. He was later selected by then-Chief Joseph McNamara to implement a new grant funded program assigned to the Special Operations Division titled the Narcotics Enforcement Team (N.E.T.). He promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in September 1990. As a Lieutenant, his command positions included two tours in the patrol division, commander of the Assaults Unit, Robbery Unit, Narcotics Unit, Internal Affairs Unit, and in the Communications Division.

He promoted to Captain in 1998 and was first assigned to the Bureau of Investigations, and later as the B.O.I. acting Deputy Chief.  Captain Anders was later assigned to the Bureau of Administration, the Southern Division in Field Operations, and as Commander of the Special Operations Division.  Don was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police in 2005. As a Deputy Chief of Police, Don has been assigned command of the Bureau of Technical Services, The Bureau of Field Operations, and is currently assigned to the Bureau of Investigations.

Deputy Chief Anders has a Master of Arts degree in Education from San Diego State University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management with honors from St. Mary's College, and an Associate of Arts degree from West Valley College. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico. VA., the California Command College sponsored by P.O.S.T., and the Community Leadership-San Jose program sponsored by the S.J. Chamber of Commerce. Don recently graduated from the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), which is held at Boston University and sponsored by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).  He is a P.O.S.T. certified police academy instructor. Deputy Chief Anders is an adjunct professor at San Jose State University, instructing the Public Management course in the Masters in Public Administration program.

Deputy Chief Anders has been the recipient of the SJPD Hazardous Duty Award, the National Exchange Club Blue and Gold Wounded-in-Service Award, and the S.J. City Manager's Mission Award. He is on the Advisory Board for Criminal Justice Studies at San Jose State University.  Don is also on the Advisory Board for the International Law Enforcement Auditors Association (I.L.E.A.A.), and is a member of P.E.R.F. Deputy Chief Anders is also a member of the F.B.I. National Academy Associates.

During his time away from work, he enjoys being a father, reading and music, outdoor activities, teaching, fitness pursuits, civic activities, and public speaking.