New captain takes reins at Richmond Police Station

by Paul Kelly

After 28 years in the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), Capt. Richard L. Corriea feels his recent appointment as commanding officer at Richmond Station is like "going home."

Of proud Irish/Portuguese stock, Corriea, 51, is the fourth generation of Richmond District natives. Still residing in the district, he believes his familiarity with the area is to his advantage in his new role, which came into effect in December 2008.

"I know the Richmond inside-out, with every short-cut through the park," said Corriea, a graduate of nearby Star of the Sea Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School and George Washington High School. "It gives me a better understanding of the area."

Initially starting out as a lawyer with a masters degree in business administration, Corriea felt his true calling was in law enforcement. After graduating from the SF Police Academy, he spent the first six years of his career stationed at the Richmond Station.

As a young cop, he remembers the Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk murders after-taste being palpable on the streets, with divisions between the SFPD and certain segments of the community. But, with constant communication and interaction, Corriea believes bridges are being repaired. Even as the media worldwide seems to focus on the negative aspects of policing, he remains pragmatic.

"We've come a long way in 25 years," he said. "San Francisco is a complicated city to police because of its diversity. The Richmond District alone has a population of 94,000."

Since becoming a captain in 2003, one area of particular concern to Corriea is that of road safety. As his jurisdiction goes from Seal Rock to Steiner Street (including most of Golden Gate Park), many busy thoroughfares, including Geary Boulevard, are under his watch.

"Last year we had 276 traffic accidents and two fatalities," he said.

Corriea believes "enforcement through education" is the key. Working alongside groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving is starting to reap rewards. He is hopeful that the stigma of a drunk-driving conviction will serve as a deterrent.

During a brief tour of the station, located at 461 Sixth Ave. (between Geary and Anza Street), Corriea makes a point of having a quick word with everyone he meets in the corridor. He likes to know what is going on in his station.

Corriea's authoritative yet avuncular interaction with his staff immediately puts them at ease. He speaks of his "fine officers" with great affection as he is all too aware of the demands that go with the job.

"I want to create an enjoyable working environment for all my officers and staff," Corriea said.

An unabashedly proud San Franciscan, Corriea speaks of the resilience of its citizens, many of whom have had to look adversity in the eye.

"San Francisco is the original Barbary Coast," Corriea said. "We survived the Gold Rush and five fires since 1860. Each time we rose like the phoenix from the ashes. There it is on the crest 'Ord in Paz, Fierro in Guerra - Gold in Peace, Iron in War.' We wear the culture of the city on our shoulders."

When not catching bad guys, Corriea is an ardent 49ers fan and season ticket holder who can "Yahoo" with the best of them. He was there in the "good old days" of Candlestick Park on Jan. 10, 1982, when the 49ers battled the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC championship. The game is embedded in his memory and prompts a sentimental smile when he recalls being beside the TV camera on the line of scrimmage with a Zapruder-like view of Joe Montana's pass which resulted in "the catch" by Dwight Clark.

Although not thrilled at the prospect of the 49ers playing in Santa Clara, Corriea has great faith in new head coach Mike Singletary. Realizing that time is a luxury that few teams extend to their coaches, he is still optimistic about the future.

"I'm looking forward to next season," he said.

In the meantime, Capt. Richard Lyons Corriea is delighted to be back among familiar faces and places.

"I believe I'm making a difference everyday," he says.

Although he has been fortunate enough to have traveled much of the world, for Corriea "there's no place like home."