Rodney K. Harrison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney K. Harrison
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| Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department | |
| In office December 31, 2021 – December 15, 2023 |
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| Appointed by | Steve Bellone |
| Preceded by | Geraldine Hart |
| Succeeded by | Risco Mention-Lewis (acting) |
| Chief of the New York City Police Department | |
| In office March 30, 2021 – December 31, 2021 |
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| Appointed by | Dermot Shea |
| Preceded by | Terence Monahan |
| Succeeded by | Kenneth Corey |
| Chief of Detectives of the New York City Police Department | |
| In office December 1, 2019 – March 29, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Dermot F. Shea |
| Succeeded by | James W. Essig |
| Chief of Patrol of the New York City Police Department | |
| In office January 18, 2018 – November 30, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Terence Monahan |
| Succeeded by | Fausto B. Pichardo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 25, 1969 |
| Alma mater | New York City Police Academy |
Rodney K. Harrison was born on February 25, 1969. He is an American police officer and leader. He recently served as the Police Commissioner for the Suffolk County Police Department. Before that, he worked for the New York City Police Department (NYPD). There, he reached the highest uniform rank, Chief of Department.
Harrison started his police career as a cadet in 1991. He became a Police Officer on June 30, 1992. He later became the leader of the 28th and 32nd Precincts in Harlem. In 2014, he helped lead efforts to improve community relations in Staten Island. He was promoted to Chief of Patrol. In this role, he helped start the Neighborhood Policing Program.
In December 2019, Harrison made history. He became the first Black Chief of Detectives in the NYPD's 175-year history. In 2021, he was promoted to Chief of Department. This is the highest-ranking uniform position in the NYPD. Harrison announced his retirement from the NYPD in November 2021.
On December 21, 2021, Harrison was chosen to be the Police Commissioner of Suffolk County. The Suffolk County Legislature approved him without any opposing votes. He became the first Black Police Commissioner in that department's history.
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Early Life and Start in Policing
Harrison grew up in the South Jamaica area of Queens, New York. He joined the NYPD in 1991 as a police cadet. He officially became a police officer on June 30, 1992. He graduated from the NYC Police Academy on January 12, 1993. After graduating, he began patrolling in Astoria, Queens, in 1994. He was promoted to detective in 1995. He worked in different detective groups in Brooklyn.
Career Highlights
Suffolk County Police Department
In December 2021, Steve Bellone, the Suffolk County Executive, chose Harrison to be the county's police commissioner. Harrison retired from the NYPD after working there for 30 years. On December 23, 2021, the Suffolk County Legislature officially approved Harrison's nomination. Harrison was sworn in as the Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department on January 11, 2022.
New York City Police Department
In December 2019, Harrison was promoted to Chief of Detectives. This was a very important moment. He was the first Black person to hold this role in the New York City Police Department's 200-year history.
Promotions and Ranks
Rodney K. Harrison moved up through many ranks during his career.
- Sworn in as a Patrolman - July 1, 1992
- Promoted to Detective - 1995
- Promoted to Sergeant - 1996
- Promoted to Lieutenant - 2002
- Promoted to Captain - 2007
- Promoted to Deputy Inspector - 2011
- Promoted to Inspector - 2013
- Promoted to Deputy Chief - 2016
- Promoted to Chief of Patrol - 2018
- Promoted to Chief of Detectives - 2019
- Chief of Department - 2021
