Phil Pulaski is a decorated New York City police officer who rose to the rank of Chief of Detectives before retiring from the NYPD in 2014 after more than 33 years of service. As Chief of Detectives, Phil Pulaski implemented innovative new programs involving eyewitness identification, audio/video recording of custodial interrogations and forensic evidence analysis to address potential wrongful conviction issues. The individual who recently rose to Phil Pulaski’s former leadership position, Rodney Harrison, is an extremely experienced, skilled and knowledgeable police executive, and a truly outstanding leader. Chief Harrison is the first African American Chief of Detectives in the history of the NYPD.
Chief Harrison, the former Chief of Patrol, remains committed to the neighborhood policing philosophy, that emphasizes building relationships “hand-in-hand” with community members. He is also a strong proponent of the diversity commitment of the new NYPD Commissioner, who has an aim of ensuring that the cultural makeup of law enforcement mirrors that of New York as a whole. As Harrison put it, in a TV interview, “It’s important that the Police Department is reflective of the city that we’re here to protect.”
This is particularly important at a time when there is a public perception of an increase in some types of crime, despite New York’s reputation as the safest big city in America. As Chief Harrison sees it, one crime or shooting incident is too many, considering the personal pain involved in losing a loved one.
However, Harrison contrasts the city of two decades ago, with its high crime rate, to one in which significant strides have been made against lawlessness. He takes pride in his new task as effectively going after criminals and “taking them off the streets.” His mission is to do all he can to ensure that New York stays a safe city, where life and personal space are valued qualities.
Chief Harrison, the former Chief of Patrol, remains committed to the neighborhood policing philosophy, that emphasizes building relationships “hand-in-hand” with community members. He is also a strong proponent of the diversity commitment of the new NYPD Commissioner, who has an aim of ensuring that the cultural makeup of law enforcement mirrors that of New York as a whole. As Harrison put it, in a TV interview, “It’s important that the Police Department is reflective of the city that we’re here to protect.”
This is particularly important at a time when there is a public perception of an increase in some types of crime, despite New York’s reputation as the safest big city in America. As Chief Harrison sees it, one crime or shooting incident is too many, considering the personal pain involved in losing a loved one.
However, Harrison contrasts the city of two decades ago, with its high crime rate, to one in which significant strides have been made against lawlessness. He takes pride in his new task as effectively going after criminals and “taking them off the streets.” His mission is to do all he can to ensure that New York stays a safe city, where life and personal space are valued qualities.
