UCLA Police Captain Manny Garza has been appointed interim chief of police, effective June 20, UCLA Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck announced today. Chief James Herren will be retiring in June following a nearly seven-year tenure leading the department.
Captain Garza is a UCLA graduate and joined UCLA Police Department in 1986 as a patrol officer. He moved through the ranks gaining experience with assignments in patrol, investigations, special events, personnel and training. Captain Garza was promoted to captain in 2006. As commander of the Administrative Bureau, his responsibilities include records, dispatch, personnel and training, and internal affairs. Previously, he served as the commander of the Operations Bureau.
Captain Garza is a key organizer of the UC Systemwide Response Team and, as a command staff member, he is responsible for policy development, training coordination and team activations. For the UCLA campus, he was instrumental in the development of the Police Risk Management Team, which reviews all critical incidents after each occurrence for opportunities to enhance training, reevaluate policies and establish performance standards. He has participated in numerous professional training and certificate programs, including the Senior Management Institute for Police.
"I have confidence in Captain Garza’s ability to lead the department during this transition," Beck said, "and I am pleased that he has agreed to continue his service to the campus in this critical role." A national search for someone to fill the chief of police position will be conducted, Beck said.
