The first Japanese-American to head the CHP, Joseph A. Farrow earned an associate of arts degree from Monterey Peninsula Community College, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Sacramento and a master’s degree in executive leadership at San Diego State University. His first job in law enforcement was as a traffic safety motor officer with the Pacific Grove Police Department in 1978-1979. He then joined the CHP and worked his way through the ranks, becoming deputy commissioner in November 2004 before taking over as commissioner.  He was a 2006 winner of the J. Stannard Baker Award for his work at the CHP. Farrow is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Law Enforcement Command College.  He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the California Peace Officers Association and the Asian Peace Officers Association.  He was appointed commissioner in February 2008 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Joseph A. Farrow Biography (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.)

2006 J. Stannard Baker Award Winner (Intl. Association of Chiefs of Police)