Christopher T. Lucia
Dublin,CA
Summary
Senior law enforcement executive with 26 years of progressively responsible experience and 19 years in supervisory and command roles. Extensive background in county/municipal and airport policing with demonstrated success managing complex operations, personnel, and multimillion-dollar budgets. Currently serving as the commanding officer of the Oakland International Airport Police Division, performing all duties customarily assigned to a Police Chief, including operational command, policy development, personnel administration, discipline, and interagency coordination. Proven leader in critical incident management across airport security environments and traditional field operations. Graduate of the FBI National Academy with a strong record of organizational leadership, accountability, and public service.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Commander – Oakland International Airport Police Division
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2023 - Current
- Serve as the commanding officer of the Oakland International Airport Police Division, functioning as the chief executive authority for airport law enforcement operations.
- Responsible for all duties traditionally performed by a Police Chief, including operational command, policy development, personnel management, discipline, training standards, and budget administration.
- Oversee day-to-day operations encompassing patrol, traffic, investigations, emergency response, and administrative services within a complex critical-infrastructure environment.
- Manage a $25 million annual operating budget, including forecasting, staffing, equipment procurement, and contractual compliance.
- Act as incident commander for major and critical incidents occurring at the airport as well as those arising from traditional field law enforcement operations.
- Advise executive leadership and governing authorities of significant operational events.
- Supervise and evaluate sworn and professional staff and ensure consistent application of personnel policies, labor agreements, and POST standards.
- Serve as the primary law enforcement liaison with the Port of Oakland, airport executive leadership, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Captain – Commanding Officer / Department Watch Commander
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2016 - 12.2023
- Directed all police services under the Port of Oakland contract, providing executive-level leadership for one of the busiest transportation hubs in Northern California.
- Oversaw patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response, and administrative operations.
- Commanded critical incidents involving airport security, criminal investigations, and emergency management while coordinating with regional, state, and federal partners.
- Led modernization efforts involving security procedures, technology integration, and operational protocols.
- Developed and mentored supervisors and managers with emphasis on leadership development, accountability, procedural justice, and professional standards.
Lieutenant
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2010 - 12.2016
- Managed multiple specialized units including Motor Unit, Community Policing and Crime Prevention, School Resource Deputies, Tri-Valley Substation, Youth and Family Services Bureau, and the Deputy Sheriff’s Activity League.
- Supervised sworn and civilian personnel while balancing enforcement responsibilities with community engagement priorities.
- Served as incident commander for major field operations and critical incidents.
- Managed unit budgets and overtime expenditures.
- Authored and administered federal and state grants securing millions of dollars for law enforcement and community-based programs.
Sergeant
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2005 - 12.2010
- Assigned to Santa Rita Jail for six months, supervising custody operations, inmate management, and staff performance within a high-volume correctional environment.
- Subsequently assigned as Patrol Sergeant and Motorcycle Sergeant, supervising patrol and traffic enforcement operations.
- Provided field supervision during critical incidents, pursuits, and major investigations.
- Responsible for personnel supervision, training, performance evaluation, and discipline, while ensuring compliance with department policy and POST standards.
Deputy Sheriff
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.1999 - 12.2005
- Assigned to North County Jail, performing inmate supervision, security, and facility operations.
- Later assigned as a Patrol Deputy to the contract city of Dublin, providing full-service municipal law enforcement including calls for service, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing.
- Assigned as a Motorcycle Deputy at the Eden Township Substation, enforcing traffic laws, responding to in-progress crimes, proactive DUI enforcement, and supporting patrol operations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
California Coast University
02.2023
Graduate - Session 253
FBI National Academy
Graduate - Class 282
Sheriff’s Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI)
POST Advanced Certificate -
POST Management Certificate -
POST Principal Policing Instructor -
Advanced POST Instructor Certifications -
AAAE ACE Security Certification -
Post Executive Development Course -
Skills
- Executive Law Enforcement Leadership
- Patrol
- Traffic
- Investigations
- Emergency Operations
- Budget Development
- Fiscal Management
- Personnel Administration
- Discipline
- Labor Relations
- Policy Development
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Critical Incident Command
- Crime Analysis
- Strategic Deployment
- Interagency Collaboration
- Community Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Active SBSLI facilitator since 2020, mentoring and developing future California law enforcement leaders.
- Led modernization of airport police operations through policy reform, technology upgrades, and procedural enhancements.
- Expanded youth programs and public safety partnerships to strengthen trust, transparency, and prevention strategies.
- Successfully authored and managed multiple federal and state grants totaling millions of dollars.
- Commanded critical incidents across airport security environments and traditional field law enforcement operations, ensuring public safety, accountability, and operational continuity.
Professional References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Commander – Oakland International Airport Police Division
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2023 - Current
Captain – Commanding Officer / Department Watch Commander
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2016 - 12.2023
Lieutenant
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2010 - 12.2016
Sergeant
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.2005 - 12.2010
Deputy Sheriff
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
01.1999 - 12.2005
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
California Coast University
Graduate - Session 253
FBI National Academy
Graduate - Class 282
Sheriff’s Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI)