Pasadena announced a new chief of police on Monday, Nov. 21, almost 11 months after former Chief John Perez bid farewell to the department in early January.
Eugene Harris, most recently chief of San Gabriel’s police department, and the president of the Los Angeles County Police Chief’s Association, will officially become Pasadena’s new chief on Jan. 3, ending a nearly year-long search that spanned two interim department leaders since Perez left.
“I am honored to be entrusted with this amazing opportunity and am humbled by the responsibility to our residents, visitors, and the men and women of our department,” said Harris in a statement accompanying the announcement. “Together, we will continue to enhance the culture of proactive community policing and exceptional service to our stakeholders. I look forward to joining the Pasadena community and serving alongside the professionals of the Pasadena Police Department.”
Harris, who was announced by officials at City Hall before Monday’s City Council meeting, will bring 30 years of law enforcement experience to the department. It was a path that began after an honorable discharge from the Marines. First, he was a deputy sheriff, then 23 years at the Monterey Park Police Department, and then 2016, becoming chief of the city of San Gabriel’s department.
He’s even written a book: “The Zero Stress Zone, a Layman’s Guide to Stress Management.”
“Chief Harris is a well-known leader in law enforcement,” said City Manager Miguel Márquez. “His interpersonal and communication skills and his proven approach to proactive and community policing will bring about the effective implementation of ever-evolving best practices to keep our community safe. I am confident he will lead our peace officers with distinction and will become an invaluable member of the greater Pasadena community.”
Pasadena first began the recruitment process to find its next police chief at the start of this year before former Police Chief Perez, an officer for more than three decades, departed his post as department head.
Days prior though, former interim City Manager Cynthia Kurtz announced she would wait to allow a full-time city manager an opportunity to appoint a police chief.
Instead, Kurtz appointedm as interim police chiefs on a rotating basis.
Moody was appointed to lead the department first, however she retired in late May after serving the city of Pasadena for nearly 30 years.
Clawson remained in the post while city leaders whittled down a list of final candidates for city manager and the chief position.
At the same time, the city has faced questions about the fatal 2020 shooting of Anthony McClain, 32, of Pasadena, who was shot and killed by a police officer as he fled a traffic stop over a missing front license plate, near Raymond Avenue and Grandview Street.
The L.A. County District Attorney’s investigation ultimately found insufficient evidence to charge the officer shortly after the city agreed to a $7.5 million settlement with McClain’s family over the incident.
But residents critical of the D.A.’s decision have called on the city to hire a chief who will work with the recently formed Community Police Oversight Commission to ensure similar incidents don’t occur in the future.
Related links
Pasadena police commission upset over lack of role in interviews for chief
The search for a Pasadena Police chief might be a ‘bit slower’; Here’s why
Pasadena Police chief John Perez set to retire; Council seeks police commission role in new hire
It’s Day 1 for Pasadena’s new city manager; here’s what he told his new team
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