Kristina Takeshita

• Rank: Police Administrator I
• Bureau/Division/Office: Forensic Science Division
• Email: v8485@lapd.online

Bio

Ms. Takeshita began her career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1995 as a student worker and was appointed as a Criminalist in 1997, assigned to the Toxicology Unit. Throughout her tenure, she has advanced through progressively responsible positions in various forensic disciplines, including Supervising Criminalist, Assistant Laboratory Director, and Laboratory Director, demonstrating sustained leadership and commitment to operational excellence. In her current role as Commanding Officer of the Forensic Science Division, she provides executive oversight of the administrative, operational, and technical functions of the nation’s first crime laboratory.

Ms. Takeshita holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State University, Long Beach. She maintains active professional involvement within the forensic science community, serving as a Board Member of the California Association of Crime Laboratory Directors and as a member of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. Her career reflects a strong dedication to scientific integrity, organizational accountability, and the continuous advancement of forensic services in support of the Department’s mission and public safety objectives, guided by a leadership philosophy that emphasizes employee wellness and organizational resilience.