Meet the Chief
Tracy Avelar was named Chief of Police in November of 2019. Chief Avelar has been a member of the Foster City Police Department since 2002. She was hired as a police officer recruit and attended the College of San Mateo Police Academy. She served in patrol as an officer, until 2005 when she was promoted to corporal. In 2005 she went into Youth Services where she taught G.R.E.A.T to the elementary and middle schools and investigated crimes committed by and against juveniles. She served as field training officer, tactical communications instructor and Special Olympics Torch Run coordinator. In 2008, she went back to patrol to accept an acting sergeant position.
On January 1, 2009, Tracy was promoted to sergeant and served as a patrol supervisor. In 2010, she was assigned as the Administrative sergeant where she oversaw hiring, department general orders, crime prevention, youth services, and property and evidence. On June 1, 2013, Tracy was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. As a lieutenant, Tracy worked in the Patrol Division and managed the field training program, training, the traffic bureau, and SWAT commander.
In 2015, Tracy attained the rank of Captain and initially had oversight over the entire Department Administrative unit, which included Dispatch, Records, Investigations, Youth Services, recruitment and budget preparation. Her last two years as a Captain, she was in charge of our entire Patrol unit, handling all matters and issues related to our excellent, day-to-day service provided to our great community.
Chief Avelar grew up in the Bay Area. She has four children and spends most of her off time on one type of sporting field or another. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Management from the Union Institute and University and a Master's degree in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security. She is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and LAPD Leadership Academy.
“Excellent Service—Every Call—Every Contact—Every Day!”
