Farrhard A. El-Amin is one of the newest members of the Community Care Unit of the Richmond Police Department. El-Amin was reared in a Black Muslim home in Henrico County by a very strong and religious father, a teacher mom with an older sister who became a “cop”. He loved sports and went to college to pursue sports commentating.
Farrhard A. El-Amin
As a young adult, Farrhard was a husband and a father. He boldly professes to have God deeply ingrained in his spirit. El-Amin had little time for police until he met his sister’s police friends, out of uniform. He found them to be regular people “just like him.” After two layoffs in his mid-thirties, Farrhard decided to try the police force as a career. He failed at his first attempt, due to a torn ACL, but persevered, “suffered” through and was ushered into the job at age 36.
Officer El-Amin found great joy in the variety of experiences offered by police service. He used his downtime on duty to play basketball and football with youth on his beat and quickly found a niche. He discovered the ad for his current position quite by accident. “I saw in the position description a chance to work on all that I loved about my downtime on duty and most of what I desired to achieve as a police officer.”
El-Amin struggled to find his way in his new position but was inspired to use his many talents in his new job setting. He asked permission to DJ at community events and as soon as he began, felt the barrier between him and the youth he encountered melt away. “Our mutual love of music bridged our acceptance of each other.”
“One afternoon I was DJing in my uniform. A young boy approached and asked if I was a cop. I said yes and he stood in wonder as I mixed some songs and didn’t hide my enjoyment of what I was doing. After about three songs he tapped me on the leg and said…’I have new shoes.’ This small breakthrough moved me to tears. I knew I had been offered a most valuable gift of his trust and friendship. Moments like this are why I love this job.”
El-Amin has assumed the persona of “12” in the world of the youth he works with on assignments. He has been called on to articulate the needs of “his” youth and has made collaborative inroads that represent real change for the children. Farrhard rarely talks to his youth; rather he talks “with” them, seeks the light within them, and works diligently to turn it up. His wish is to release them to embrace their freedom, competence, knowledge, self-worth, and to celebrate their victories.
Say Hello to the “REAL” Farrhard El-Amin…happy newlywed, full of gratitude, and applying lessons he learned as a youth to lessons he shares with youth. He’s Living His Life Like It’s Golden; full of energy, proud of his assignment, consulting with his God, busily fishin’ for Kings and Queens in a dark pool, and, lovin’ it!
