The City of Huntington Beach has chosen Eric Parra to serve as its new Chief of Police, and will formally consider hiring him at a December 1 special city council meeting.
Parra has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience, and currently serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Alhambra. Prior to his current role, he held a variety of leadership roles with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, leaving that agency in 2019 as Division Chief.
“I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to serve as Chief of Police here in my hometown of Huntington Beach,” said Parra. “I am looking forward to partnering with the Mayor, City Council, and staff as we work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Surf City.”
Throughout the course of his career, Parra has been responsible for the oversight and coordination of various law enforcement operations, including supervision of widespread patrol functions, leading reform efforts at the Los Angeles County jail system, instituting community policing programs, and establishing improved internal law enforcement operational practices.
“We are delighted to have found Eric to serve as our next Chief of Police,” said Oliver Chi, City Manager. “After an extensive recruitment process that included multiple assessment rounds with our management team and the Mayor and City Council, Eric was identified as having the best combination of experience and approach to lead the Huntington Beach Police Department into the future.”
Parra holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University of Long Beach in Criminal Justice, and also earned his Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law, and is licensed by the State Bar of California. Pending approval of his employment agreement, Parra will assume his new role as Chief of Police on December 20, 2021.