Commander Farinella was hired by the Long Beach Department in 1990, and is currently the Commander of the Gang and Violent Crimes Division. 

Since starting her career with the Long Beach Police Department she has worked all Patrol Divisions, was a Field Training Officer, Police Academy Recruit Training Officer, Academy Instructor, Administrative Corporal, Internal Affairs Sergeant, and assistant to the Deputy Chief of Investigations.

Commander Farinella holds a Bachelor Degree in Communications from Chapman University, and a Master of Science Degree in Emergency Services Administration from the California State University of Long Beach. She is the graduate of the FBI National Academy, and has attended the FBI Instructor Development and Firearms Courses, Supervisory Leadership Institute, POST Management Course, and the Leadership Long Beach.

She is currently on the Chief’s Gay and Lesbian Advisory Committee, and on the Department’s Leadership Committee, which promotes women in leadership roles. She is also a board member on the City of Long Beach Management Association.