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July 30, 2004
City Manager Names Harris Phoenix Police Chief
City Manager Frank Fairbanks today named Jack Harris Phoenix police chief. Harris, who has been serving as interim police chief since March, replaces Harold Hurtt, who resigned to accept the same position in Houston.
Harris, 54, has been with the Phoenix Police Department for 32 years. He will lead a department that has a $520 million budget and a staff of approximately 3,900 employees, 2,800 of whom are officers.
"Phoenix conducted a national search and a thorough process that included several interview panels with representatives from city management, community leaders, unions and the business community," said Fairbanks.
"Chief Harris has had an outstanding record during his entire career with the Phoenix Police Department. He has demonstrated a strong ability to work with neighborhoods and is respected as a strong leader by the men and women of the Police Department," he said.
"The selection of Chief Harris reaffirms that Phoenix's professional form of government is the best in the country," said Mayor Phil Gordon.
"There's not another major city in the United States where management, neighborhood and business leaders representing our diverse community, police officers and the unions agree on the same police chief candidate. This truly is a tribute to Phoenix's way of doing business and the trust that the public has in our leadership."
Harris began his career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1972 as a patrol officer. Throughout his career, he has worked in various areas of the department including commander of the SWAT team for five years, commander of the Desert Horizon Police Precinct, undercover officer, commander of the Professional Standards Division, motorcycle officer and instructor for several officer training classes.
He has received numerous commendations and awards for his service with police, including citations for overseeing security during the World Series in 2001 and recognition in 1996 for developing tactical training for more than 1,200 officers and supervisors.
"As chairman of the Public Safety Subcommittee, I look forward to continuing to work with Chief Harris. His commitment to community-based policing is a great strength to the community and the Police Department," said Councilman Dave Siebert.
"This is a tremendous honor to be chosen to lead a department that I have served with for more than 30 years," said Harris.
"I look forward to continuing to work side by side with the dedicated and hard working members of the Phoenix Police Department, Mayor Gordon and the City Council, Frank Fairbanks, Deputy City Manager Juan Martin and other city staff to ensure our community is a safe and secure place to live and raise our families."
Harris earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Arizona State University in 1977, and a master's degree in human resources from Ottawa University in 2000.
He has been married to Connie for 31 years, and both live in Phoenix.
Background Information on Police Chief Jack Harris
Started with Phoenix Police Department in 1972.
- 1972 - 1981 Served in various positions, including motorcycle officer and walking beat officer
- 1981 - 1984 Special Investigations, undercover, vice and narcotics
- 1984 Promoted to Sergeant of the Patrol Division
- 1985 - 1988 Training Academy and Street Crimes Sergeant
- 1988 - 1989 Promoted to Lieutenant - Served in Patrol and Motorcycle Divisions
- 1989 - 1995 Unit Commander of the Special Assignments Unit (SWAT Team)
- 1995 Promoted to Commander
- 1996 - 1997 City Manager's Office liaison with the Police Department
- 1997 - 1999 Commander of Desert Horizon Police Precinct
- 1999 - 2000 Commander of Professional Standards Division (Internal Affairs)
- 2000 Promoted to Assistant Chief
- 2000 - 2003 Assistant Chief, North Patrol Division
- 2004 Interim Police Chief
Other major accomplishments:
- Spearheaded Safe City Task Force, which focuses on burglary reduction and crime prevention.
- Developed first community policing station in the Palomino area of the Desert Horizon Precinct in north Phoenix.
- Developed Interest Based Relationship System for labor management.
- Member of development team for the Burglary Reduction Program.
- Implemented Enlightened Leadership Program for all supervisors and managers in department.
- Earned bachelor's degree in political science from Arizona State University in 1977; master's degree in human resources from Ottawa University in 2000.
- Graduate of FBI National Academy and ASU Certified Public Manager Program.
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