Redwood City was incorporated in 1867. A Town Marshal first provided police protection. The Marshal was an elected position. Support for the Marshal came from the Sheriff’s Office. Years later the position of Town Marshal was changed to Police Chief. In 1913 a second position was created.

The Marshals or police chiefs occupied various shared spaces until their own building was built in 1957. Prior locations include City Hall, the Manual Arts building of the old Sequoia High School, and the original County Jailhouse.

Today the Redwood City Police Department has a total of 94 total sworn officers and numerous support staff. The department is currently in its second building, which they moved into in 1993.