City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: OCTOBER 28, 2025 FROM: POLICE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S OVERVIEW AND RECOGNITION ISSUE:
Receive an overview of the Police Department and recognize the Department’s employees.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND:
The mission of the Riverside Police Department (RPD) is to provide a strong partnership between law enforcement and the community, focused on public safety that provides quality, responsive and effective services through valued employees. The RPD is a highly valued, positive force in the community, providing effective safety and emergency response services, as well as proactive community programs and educational activities. The Department plays an important role in protecting residents and businesses from criminal activity and helping to educate the public about ways to reduce criminal activity.
Two deputy chiefs assist the Chief of Police with the day-to-day functions. The Deputy Chief of Administration provides oversight of the Administrative Services, Budget, Support Services, and Internal Affairs divisions. The Deputy Chief of Operations provides oversight of Field Operations, Investigations, and Special Operations divisions.
The RPD Command Staff consists of five (5) Captains, one (1) Police Administrator and one (1) Lieutenant acting as the Chief’s Adjutant. This core team supports the Chief of Police and the two (2) Deputy Chiefs and assists them in fulfilling the Department’s mission.
The Department would also like to recognize its outstanding employees. The 2024 RPD Employees of the year are Police Communication Systems Analyst Christine Kelsey, Police Officer Jorge Estrada, and Police Sergeant Jose Escobar.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report
Approved by: Larry V. Gonzalez, Chief of Police
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachment: Presentation
PD 2024 Dept Overview and Employee RecognitionhPage 5