Emir Saafir
Emir
Saafir
Adjunct Professor
- Department
- Academic Affairs
- Institution
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Pacific Oaks College
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Address
- 45 W Eureka Street
- Pasadena, CA 91103
- Biography
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Emir Saafir, BS, MBA
Emir Saafir brings over 25 years of dedicated service to the field of corrections, currently serving as a Probation Manager with the Santa Barbara County Probation Department. His career reflects a deep commitment to public safety, rehabilitation, and interagency collaboration.
Prior to his current role, Emir spent more than two decades with the Los Angeles County Probation Department, where he worked extensively with both juvenile and adult populations. His assignments spanned a wide range of specialized units and collaborative law enforcement efforts, including:
Task Force Officer with LA IMPACT (Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Team): Conducted narcotics investigations and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks and securing criminal convictions.
DISARM Unit (Developing Increased Suppression Through Arms Removal): Led probation searches targeting high-risk offenders, coordinated warrant pickups, and supervised multi-agency operations focused on illegal firearms suppression.
Gang Unit Assignment with Long Beach Police Department: Partnered with gang detectives to conduct gang and narcotics suppression, as well as investigations into serious crimes including homicide.
LAPD Newton Division C.L.E.A.R. Unit (Community Law Enforcement and Recovery): Engaged in suppression efforts and routine patrols in high-crime areas, working closely with LAPD to reduce gang-related activity
In addition to his fieldwork, Emir is a passionate educator. He has served as an adjunct instructor at La Sierra University and currently teaches at El Camino College Compton Center. His courses include Gangs and Law in Society, Community Policing, Introduction to Administration of Justice, Juvenile Delinquency, and Introduction to Corrections, where he shares his real-world experience to inspire and inform the next generation of justice professionals.
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- Education History
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Degree Institution Year BA University California of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 1998 MBA Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs, CO 2007 - Professional Memberships
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Role Organization Member Elks Member Interim Vice President Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity Inc. - Question and Answer
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Please describe your teaching philosophy. I believe education is a powerful tool for growth, and I approach teaching with a deep commitment to blending practical experience with classroom instruction. My goal is to meet students where they are academically, personally, and professionally and to create a learning environment that encourages active participation and mutual respect.
In my classroom, I foster a safe and inclusive space where students feel free to express themselves, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue. I value the diversity of perspectives that students bring, and I encourage them to challenge ideas, ask questions, and think critically. While grades are often emphasized in academic settings, I believe the true measure of success lies in what students take with them beyond the classroom. My priority is that they leave with a solid understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply critical thinking in real-world contexts. Whether they pursue careers in criminal justice or other fields, I want them to be prepared, thoughtful, and confident in their ability to make informed decisions. Teaching is not just about delivering content, it's about inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and equipping students with tools for lifelong learning.
In my classroom, I foster a safe and inclusive space where students feel free to express themselves, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue. I value the diversity of perspectives that students bring, and I encourage them to challenge ideas, ask questions, and think critically.
While grades are often emphasized in academic settings, I believe the true measure of success lies in what students take with them beyond the classroom. My priority is that they leave with a solid understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply critical thinking in real-world contexts. Whether they pursue careers in criminal justice or other fields, I want them to be prepared, thoughtful, and confident in their ability to make informed decisions. Teaching is not just about delivering content, it's about inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and equipping students with tools for lifelong learning.
While grades are often emphasized in academic settings, I believe the true measure of success lies in what students take with them beyond the classroom. My priority is that they leave with a solid understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply critical thinking in real-world contexts. Whether they pursue careers in criminal justice or other fields, I want them to be prepared, thoughtful, and confident in their ability to make informed decisions.
Teaching is not just about delivering content, it's about inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and equipping students with tools for lifelong learning.
Teaching is not just about delivering content, it's about inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and equipping students with tools for lifelong learning.