Harrisonville names first female police chief in police department's history
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the first time in the city's history, Harrisonville has named the first woman to lead its police department.
Darla Harris, a longtime law enforcement veteran and Cass County native, was officially sworn in as Chief of Police during Monday night's Board of Aldermen meeting.
Harris has served with the Harrisonville Police Department in the rank of Lieutenant since August of 2022, and has been responsible for overseeing all department investigations.
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Darla worked for the Kansas City Police Department for almost 28 years before moving to Harrisonville. She started out in jail before completing the police academy, becoming a patrol officer at the Metro Patrol Division and eventually rising to the position of Detective.
As a detective with the KCPD, Harris worked as a Task Force Officer for the FBI, undercover for the Street Narcotics and Drug Enforcement Units, the Gang Squad, Metro Property Crimes and Homeland Security Intelligence.
The city said Harris has served the department faithfully during her time here and held the title of interim Chief of Police, following the retirement of former Police Chief John Hofer.
'I am extremely pleased that Chief Harris has agreed to serve as our City's Police Chief,' Mayor Zaring said.
'She has proven to be an excellent leader and will make an excellent Chief. She has earned the respect of the citizens, staff and officers in this community.'
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Harris grew up in rural Cass County and attended Raymore-Peculiar High School before joining the police force.
'I am excited to continue to be a part of the Harrisonville Police Department team,' Chief Harris said.
'This agency's members have a love for each other that is like nothing I have ever seen before, and I am excited to be a part of that. I am also excited to work within the Harrisonville community.'
The City of Harrisonville said it is proud to have her innovative and dedicated contributions to ensuring the safety and security of its community.
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