Franklin County Sheriffs Office Policy on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, a diverse, equitable and Inclusive workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and to provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our Divisions. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.
We will model diversity, equity and inclusion for the Law Enforcement industry in maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
Napoleon A. Bell, Director
Napoleon A .Bell II attended the Ohio State University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Capital University. After college he worked for 6 years in sales management. Realizing is passion for community involvement Mr. Bell left his management position to begin his work as a police officer for the City of Columbus Department of Public Safety.
Napoleon Bell has dedicated over 23 years of service to the City of Columbus. As a police officer, Mr. Bell dedicated himself to protecting and serving the community for more than 12 years. Successful mediation skills and active community engagement drove his promotion with the Strategic Response Bureau where he served as a Community Liaison Officer. Mr. Bell was also a Certified Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist. During his tenure, he received the Silver Cross Medal for Heroism and established the Mid-East Area Collaborative which recently became an Area Commission. Mr. Bell was driven by his desire to more broadly impact communities. He is a founding member of the Annual Neighborhood Best Practices Conference bringing communities together to network and impact change in their neighborhoods.
In May 2005 he became the Deputy Director for the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission. In February 2009, Mayor Michael B. Coleman appointed Mr. Bell as Executive Director for the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission. As Executive Director he oversaw enforcement of the Columbus Civil Rights Code in housing, employment and public accommodations, The New Americans Initiative, Diversity and Cultural Competency training, Community Police Relations and community outreach and engagement. Mr. Bell’s early accomplishment as Director was to successfully have added Gender Identity and Expression as a protected class to the Civil Rights Code. His continuous efforts were focused on improving communities and the quality of life for all residence throughout Columbus.
In February of 2016 Mr. Bell continued his work with Phoenix Consulting while running for elected office as State Representative for the 25th House District in the November 2016 general election.
Continuing his work in Public Safety Mr. Bell joined the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as the Community Outreach and Engagement Manager in 2017. He was later promoted to Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion in September 2020 to facilitate a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where all employees and volunteers feel valued and respected. He is also a Certified Diversity Professional through Diversity First Inc.
Mr. Bell currently serves on the Franklin County Youth Advisory Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters African American Advisory Council and mentor, Ohio Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Holiday Commission, Current President of Central Ohio Crime Stoppers and a Member of NOBLE. He has also served as Past Chair and board member of ETSS, OSU’s Diversity Outreach and Engagement Advisory Council, OSU Youth Violence Prevention Advisory Board, United Way Training Advisory Committee, United Nations Association Board and was featured in Who’s Who in Black Columbus. Napoleon Bell is also a dedicated husband to wife Toni and father to Leah, Joe, Napoleon III and Chris.