December 15, 2022

Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles has named Deputy Chief Amir El-Farra as Garden Grove’s new chief of police. A 27-year law enforcement veteran, El-Farra became the department’s deputy chief in 2021, serving second in command to former police chief Tom DaRé. He officially begins his new assignment on January 1, 2023.

“I am honored and humbled to continue working with the extraordinary men and women of the Garden Grove Police Department in this new capacity. My highest priority is to maintain our strong partnership with the community and ensure the highest commitment to service, safety, and protection,” says El-Farra.

“Deputy Chief El-Farra has the proven character, drive, and abilities necessary to successfully lead the Garden Grove Police Department. His ascension through the ranks has been impressive, and his dedication and enthusiasm for the Garden Grove community is profound. I have no doubt that our community will place their deepest trust in him as I have,” says City Manager Scott Stiles.

El-Farra began his career with the Garden Grove Police Department as a police officer in 2008, following prior service with the Los Angeles Police Department. He advanced beyond the normal course of promotions to become an acting sergeant in 2013, and sergeant in 2014, earning the title of Sergeant of the Year in 2015.

In 2016, he was promoted to lieutenant, and in 2019 to captain, overseeing the largest bureau in the police department that includes SWAT, K-9, patrol, gangs, special investigations, the Special Resources Team (SRT), and motorcycle unit.

In 2021, he became the police department’s deputy chief, providing vital leadership in the City’s and police department’s Emergency Operation Centers during the COVID-19 crisis.

El-Farra has worked a variety of assignments during his career with the Garden Grove Police Department and held many adjunct duties, including service and involvement on the department’s Community Policing Committee, the Citizen’s Police Academy, and the Chief’s Advisory Council which interacts with leaders in the community. During his career, he has also served as a field training officer for new recruits, and an instructor on arrest and control techniques. He has also received numerous awards and commendations and obtained various professional credentials throughout his career. He has completed the Orange County Cohort Leadership Course and is a member of the California Chiefs of Police Association.

A graduate of Humboldt State University, where he excelled as a collegiate athlete, El-Farra has been married to his wife, Erinn, for 26 years. They have four children and a grandson.