Manuel Cid has been appointed as the next chief of police for the Anaheim Police Department. He is currently serving as the chief of police in Glendale, a role he has held since January 2023. Before his tenure in Glendale, Cid was chief of the Culver City Police Department from 2020 to 2023.
Cid brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience, primarily with the Culver City Police Department. During his career, he has held positions ranging from patrol officer to command staff and has worked in areas such as enforcement operations, investigations, administration, professional standards, emergency management, and on various local, state, and federal taskforces.
In Glendale, Cid oversees a department with 450 personnel, including 300 sworn officers and specialized units like detectives, K-9 officers, pilots, SWAT teams, and motor officers.
Pending final employment screening and approval by the Anaheim City Council of an employment agreement, Cid is expected to start on December 29. He will become the 38th chief in Anaheim Police Department’s 155-year history.
Upon assuming his new role in Anaheim—the largest city police department in Orange County after the Orange County Sheriff’s Department—Cid will oversee about 600 employees. This includes more than 400 sworn officers along with detectives, investigators, pilots, mounted unit officers and horses, K-9 teams, SWAT personnel, and command staff.
The appointment comes after Chief Rick Armendariz announced his retirement plans earlier this year. Armendariz continues to serve as interim chief during the transition period while recruitment for his successor took place.
The selection process included months of outreach involving stakeholders and community input under Anaheim’s “Our Next Chief” initiative. The city engaged Public Sector Search & Consulting to manage a comprehensive recruitment process that began in September following discussions with Anaheim’s police union and other stakeholders.
During October four community meetings were conducted—two online and two in person—and information was also provided at community open houses. An online survey ran from September through October seeking feedback on priorities for the new chief from residents and businesses.
The recruitment effort attracted numerous qualified candidates both from within Anaheim PD and externally. Eight candidates advanced to interview panels composed of law enforcement professionals, community members, city executives, union representatives and the city manager. Three finalists emerged before City Manager Jim Vanderpool made his final selection.
Cid holds a master’s degree in public administration and organizational leadership from National University as well as a bachelor’s degree in political science from Whittier College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
“Cid is set to come in at an annual salary of $367,439 within Anaheim’s range for a chief of police.”