Napoleon Bell II

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Franklin County Sherriff’s Office

Napoleon is responsible for executing strategies to embed its principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership, recruitment, and office culture.

Napoleon Bell is a leader who has not stayed in his lane. He began his professional career as a Police Officer for the City of Columbus Department of Public Safety. He dedicated over 23 years to the City of Columbus, serving in roles such as Patrol Officer, Community Liaison Officer and Executive Director for the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission. Where 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. He recognized that he couldn’t fulfil his DEI mandate without taking a look and figuring out how real-world events-including civil rights, social justice, income disparity, and biases-impacted the workplace at the Sherriff’s Office as well as in the surrounding community.

“I approach the diversity conversation with the perspective that diversity and inclusion are assets, they’re force multipliers. Inclusion isn’t just about being ethical, fair or because it’s the law.” He explains:

“I point out that we come from different cultures...But, and this is the key, now we’re all here — at the Sherriff’s office which means we now have a shared purpose, and all those differences… they’re features, not flaws...we’re better because we’re different. We’re stronger because we come from everywhere. And utilizing those differences leads to better outcomes when dealing with our adversaries and difficult problems.”

In 2016 Mr. Bell co-founded “The Heritage Tours”. The bus tours are designed to give riders of all ages an experiential look into history visiting historic civil rights locations and museums throughout North America.

The confluence of Napoleon’s upbringing, professional experiences, and connection to multiple races and ethnicities in the community inspires the work that he does every day. He was raised in a family to believe that to whom much is given, much will be required. With that in mind, Napoleon tries to use his life, insights, and perspectives to bridge different views in ways that help others see the strength and commonality we all share, through embracing diversity and being more inclusive.

Napoleon attended the Ohio State University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Capital University. He holds Certifications as Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Officer, Crime Prevention Specialist and Diversity Professional through Diversity First Inc.