Amir El-Farra
Chief of Police
Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra, a 27-year law enforcement veteran, became the Garden Grove Police Department’s 14th Chief of Police on January 1, 2023, following the retirement of former police chief Tom DaRé.
His goals as police chief are to continue the Garden Grove Police Department’s long tradition of excellence, maintain strong partnerships with the community, and uphold the community’s trust by ensuring the highest commitment to service, safety, and protection.
In 2008, Chief El-Farra joined the Garden Grove Police Department as an officer. An experienced 13-year law enforcement professional, he soon advanced beyond the normal course of promotions, becoming an acting sergeant in 2013, a sergeant in 2014, and named 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, Special Resources Team (SRT), and traffic unit.
In 2021, he became deputy chief, providing vital leadership as the department’s second in command, particularly in the City’s and Garden Grove Police Department’s Emergency Operations Centers during the difficult COVID-19 crisis.
Throughout his career, Chief El-Farra has received numerous awards and commendations and obtained various professional credentials. He has served on the department’s Community Policing Committee, the Citizen’s Academy, and the Chief’s Advisory Council which interacts with leaders in the community. He is also a member of the California Chiefs of Police Association.
A graduate of Humboldt State University where he excelled as a collegiate athlete, Chief El-Farra and his wife, Erinn, have four children and a grandson.