The NYPD announced Thursday that Chief of Department Rodney Harrison is retiring at the end of the year.
Harrison started in the NYPD in 1991 as a cadet and worked his way up the ranks to Chief of Patrol in 2018 before being promoted to Chief of Detectives in 2019.
“I’m extremely proud to have worked tirelessly, over my entire career, protecting people and giving back to the city’s communities,” said Harrison. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this great police department, to carry out our intelligence-driven policing strategies, to help develop several lasting reforms, and to build meaningful dialogue with our city’s young people. And I am privileged that two of my children will carry on this important work.”
In March, Harrison was promoted to Chief of Department where he oversaw CompStat, directed and coordinated recovery efforts after last year’s sustained protests, and coordinated with community leaders to improve relationships while the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak continued to impact residents of this city. He is the third African American man to hold the position.
“Rodney has been not only a trusted advisor, and friend, but exactly the kind of innovative leader our city and our department has needed in these challenging times,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “He has performed in every rank – from patrol officer, to undercover officer displaying tremendous valor, to Chief of Department – with knowledge, skill, integrity, and a great passion for our continuing mission to always protect life and property and to build lasting relationships with those we serve. We will miss him, but we wish him well.”
Thank u for ur service and enjoy ur retirement. I met him several times and he have a humble soul.