New NYPD Chief of Detectives on the Importance of Community Relations

In September 1980, 1 month after passing the NYS Bar Examination, Phil Pulaski joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD). He subsequently served as a police officer in the 77th Precinct in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn. During the next 4 decades, Phil Pulaski received numerous promotions and ultimately rose through the ranks to become the NYPD’s Chief of Detectives where he was responsible for 3,600 personnel assigned to more than 150 units citywide. As Chief of Detectives, Phil Pulaski implemented innovative new investigative operations, forensic initiatives, case management procedures and computer systems. Phil Pulaski applauded the recent selection of Rodney Harrison as the NYPD’s Chief of Detectives. Rodney Harrison is an extremely experienced, skilled and knowledgeable police executive, and a truly outstanding leader. Chief Harrison is the NYPD’s first African American Chief of Detectives and is a role model for all young people regardless of race, gender or religion.

In an interview with ABC Eyewitness News about goals for the NYPD, Chief Harrison discussed the core focus of cracking down on crime while forging stronger community relationships. Over his first five weeks on the job, he described a process of getting used to the transition from neighborhood policing as Chief of Patrol to a focus on follow-up investigations after the crimes occur.

While his new job is different in many ways, Harrison continues to embrace the neighborhood policing philosophy that centers on gaining the trust of local community members. This work includes the outreach efforts of police officers visiting schools and making young people aware of the NYPD’s community policing mission. Many of the serious crimes his detectives investigate are related to gangs, he notes, and when police make positive connections with youth, it can serve to keep the incidence of such crimes down.