Crime & Safety

Livermore Hires New Police Chief

Livermore's new Police Chief is from Modesto.

Livermore City Manager Marc Roberts on Wednesday announced the appointment of Michael Harris as the city's new Police Chief, according to a press release.

Harris succeeds former Chief Steve Sweeney, who retired in March.

The press release is as follows:

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Harris was a Captain in the Modesto Police Department and served most recently as the Operations Division Commander.  

He began his law enforcement career in 1990 with the Oakdale Police Department and soon transferred to the Modesto Police Department.  There he rose through the ranks from Police Officer to Captain and accepted specialized assignments, including the SWAT Team, Crimes Against Children and Internal Affairs.  

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Harris earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from California State University, Stanislaus, and a Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy as well as the International Association of Chiefs of Police “Leadership in Police Organizations” program.

Harris, born and raised in Modesto, is married with five children — two of them still living at home.  He enjoys baseball, reading, fishing and spending time with his family.

  “It is an honor to have been selected to serve as the Police Chief for the City of Livermore,” Harris said. “I take this responsibility very seriously and will always strive to earn and maintain the trust of both the members of the department and the community.”

“I am very pleased that Chief Harris will be joining us,” stated City Manager Roberts.  “He is a strong leader and will make a great addition to the department.” 

Harris was selected from a competitive pool of nearly 40 candidates.  His collaborative approach to community policing coupled with his extensive experience in public safety will help continue Livermore’s high-level, quality police services.  Harris will begin his duties on Aug. 19.

Please join the City of Livermore and the Livermore Police Department at the official Swearing In Ceremony for Chief Harris on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 3:30 p.m., Cresta Blanca Room, Robert Livermore Community Center, 4444 East Avenue, Livermore, California.                                                      


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