Chief Bell Biography

Chief Kristina A. Bell was appointed Redwood City’s Chief of Police on June 5, 2023. With extensive experience in public safety, Chief Bell brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Redwood City Police Department. She has an outstanding reputation for being an authentic and open leader and has demonstrated honesty and integrity throughout her career.

Chief Bell’s public safety career began when she was hired as a Correctional Officer with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 and was promoted to Deputy in 2008 where she served as a K9 Handler and a Field Training Officer. She was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2013 where she worked in both Corrections and Operations.

She led two different patrol teams in two different Bureaus, was a Field Training Sergeant, and later was the Administrative Patrol Sergeant in Headquarters Patrol.

She promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2017 and served as a Team Lieutenant and the Administrative Lieutenant at the Maple Street Correctional Center. In 2018, she was selected as the Professional Standards Bureau Lieutenant where she managed all internal affairs investigations, background investigations, and payroll. Chief Bell was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2019 and served as the Facility Commander for the Maple Street Correctional Center. In 2020, Chief Bell was selected to serve as the Chief of Police Services for the City of San Carlos.

Chief Bell has worked extensively with youth and diverse communities in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks. She is known as a good listener and creative problem solver.

Chief Bell started her employment at sixteen years old working for the Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. Chief Bell worked every summer for Parks, Recreation and Community Services until she was hired full time as a Program Coordinator. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and a Master’s degree in Education from Southwest Baptist University. After one-and-a-half years as a site coordinator for after school programs in Redwood City, she began her law enforcement career with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, rising steadily through the ranks. She holds professional certificates in Executive Development from California Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T), the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Program and the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.

Chief Bell was born, raised and lives in Redwood City with her family. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports and traveling.