Captain Christopher Del Gandio has been leading the San Francisco Police Department’s Central Station for almost a year. The Central District covers Chinatown, North Beach, and Lower Nob Hill, and is one of the most culturally diverse beats in the city.
With 18 years at SFPD and about 23 years in law enforcement overall, Del Gandio is on his third assignment at Central, having served there as an officer, then as a lieutenant, and now as captain.Â
He didn’t grow up in law enforcement. A first-generation officer from New Jersey, just outside New York City, he always knew what career he wanted.
“It was always something I wanted to do ever since I was a kid,” he said. “I just kind of planned my whole life around it and went to school and got my college degree in Administration of Justice.”
After briefly working in law enforcement on the East Coast, he moved to San Francisco. He did field training at Ingleside, his probationary assignment at Central in 2008, and then a permanent post at Mission Station before being promoted to sergeant. He returned to Central as a lieutenant from 2019 to 2022 and now returns as a captain.
“It feels like I’m back home,” he said. “Not too many people get to come to Central three times. I’m super blessed that I made it back.”
What keeps him going is watching his officers work. In just his first weeks, multiple firearms have been taken off the street, and crime is down in several categories.
“Just watching them go out there and do the work. And the community here has been wonderful. They all want more police, and we want to continue on the progress we’ve made,” he said.
Central Station runs foot beat officers in Chinatown, North Beach, and, more recently, Fisherman’s Wharf. The Chinatown foot beat officers speak multiple languages, which Del Gandio credits for the depth of those community relationships. The program has been part of Central Station since before his first assignment there in 2008.
“If you’re in your car, you don’t make those connections as much,” he said. “Central Station is a great example of why we need folks on the street.”
He’s been warmly welcomed in Chinatown, where the community gave him a Chinese name that means “the golden captain” or “the premier/top-choice superintendent.” A high compliment from the community! He’s regularly recognized on his walks through the neighborhood, greeted by name, and stopped for photos.
“The support we feel here at Central makes it one of the best districts, in my opinion, to work in, in the city,” he said.
“We have so many great events here from so many different cultures. It’s great to be a part of all of them,” he said.
When he’s off duty, Del Gandio sails on the Bay a few times a month, travels internationally when he can, and stays serious about his fitness. He also converted quickly from New York sports loyalties to rooting for the Giants and Niners after arriving in San Francisco.
“When they win, it makes us very busy,” he laughed, “but we’re happy for them. It’s great for San Francisco.”
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