Captain Timothy Falvey was born in San Francisco and raised in South San Francisco, where he graduated from El Camino High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at the University of San Francisco and worked for seven years as an accountant before deciding police work was more interesting. Falvey’s grandfather, two uncles, three cousins, one cousin's husband, and one of his best childhood friends had all served in the SFPD and seemed to enjoy their jobs.
Falvey joined the San Francisco Police Academy in June 1995. As commanding officer of the Tactical Company, he oversaw the Tactical Unit (SWAT Team), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (Bomb Squad), Hondas, Tactical Canines, Mounted Unit, Specialist Team, and the Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Team. Captain Falvey also oversaw the Tactical unit’s critical support to patrol officers as it responds to crises such as hostage rescue operations and assisted with security during planned and unplanned demonstrations.