The city of Baltimore is hiring New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison to be police commissioner in Baltimore.
In a statement from Baltimore officials, Harrison said, "I’m honored by Mayor Pugh’s confidence in my abilities and approach and look forward to getting to Baltimore in the coming weeks to engage broadly with residents about the challenges to public safety and confidence in their police department."
The NOPD released a statement from Harrison Tuesday morning.
"Since my reappointment in May 2018, I have enjoyed the complete support of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. For that, I wish to express my profound gratitude. From the time she was sworn in, she has provided us the necessary resources and support critical to carrying out our mission of reducing violent crime and implementing 21st century policing reforms," Harrison said.
"To the citizens of New Orleans I would like to say, serving as your police chief for the past four years has been the highest honor and privilege of my 28-year career with the New Orleans Police Department. This city and its people will forever hold a special place in my heart."
Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says, "It is a significant loss for NOPD."
He notes that Harrison has managed to bring down crime rates to historically low levels despite funding challenges and was popular with the people, the rank and file and with city hall.
"It is a very positive thing for Chief Harrison. He's gotten some recognition for doing a very good job."
“Superintendent Harrison has achieved clear, compelling and consistent results in reducing violent crime, implementing a federally-mandated consent decree, increasing police recruitment, introducing advanced technologies, and deploying proactive and effective policing strategies that reflect 21st century, constitutional policing,” Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh said in a statement. “He will bring not only significant and relevant experience to addressing the challenges of Baltimore, but the insight and sensitivity needed to reestablish essential trust and confidence of citizens in their police officers.”