Patrol Lieutenants

Patrol lieutenants represent the first level of command within the organizational structure. Lieutenants serve as watch commanders, each holding 24-hour functional control during certain days of the week. Lieutenants are responsible for supervising patrol sergeants, police officers and civilian personnel who carry out day-to-day crime suppression and prevention functions. Lieutenants ensure appropriate staffing levels and the effective deployment of officers on all patrol watches. Lieutenants routinely respond to scenes of serious crimes such as homicides, major robberies and civil unrest. Lieutenants will frequently attend community meetings to advance the Department’s goals through collaboration with community members and groups. In addition, lieutenants perform administrative functions, coordinate with outside agencies, and work with citizens and business groups. Lieutenants ensure appropriate and timely training of line staff and oversee performance review protocols. To ensure a high quality of service, lieutenants may conduct internal affairs investigations, and continually ensure compliance with the Department’s policies and procedures. 

Contact Information:

Email: 416@redwoodcity.org

Biography

Lieutenant Joseph Freitas began his law enforcement career with the San Jose Police Department, where he served for approximately 12 years. In December 2012, he joined the Redwood City Police Department. Throughout his career, he has worked in a variety of assignments, including gang suppression, SWAT, field training officer, canine handler, detective, marine unit officer, and peer support.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2022, where he supervised patrol, managed the Field Training Program, and served as the department’s Training Manager. In 2025, he was promoted to Lieutenant and currently serves as the weekend patrol watch commander.

Lieutenant Freitas holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from San Jose State University and is currently attending the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.

Lieutenant Jesus Castro

Contact Information:

Email: 403@redwoodcity.org

Biography

Lieutenant Castro was born and raised in San Jose. He joined the United States Navy in 2003 as a military police officer and was honorably discharged in 2007. Lieutenant Castro began his law enforcement career with the San Jose Police Department in 2008 and lateraled to the Redwood City Police Department in 2011.

During his career as a police officer, Lieutenant Castro has had the opportunity to serve in many specialty and collateral assignments, including Evidence Technician, Field Training Officer, Cadet and VIPS Advisor, Recruiting Team, Public Information Officer, Honor Guard, Detective, Special Response Team, and Community Policing Officer. Lieutenant Castro was also selected as the 2020 Officer of the Year.

In 2021, Lieutenant Castro was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant, he served as a patrol supervisor, FTO Sergeant, SRT Team Leader, and Training Manager. Lieutenant Castro holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University. He is a graduate of the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.