Suffolk’s 1st Black Commissioner Vows To Make County Safest In NY

BRENTWOOD, NY — Suffolk’s first black Police Commissioner said he is looking forward to implementing the county’s police reform plan with his all-star team as he officially took over the department’s helm on Tuesday at a swearing-in ceremony at the police academy in Brentwood.

The Baldwin resident, who just retired from the New York Police Department, has tapped deputy commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis to continue in his office, as well as Anthony Carter, who is also from the NYPD, to serve as another deputy commissioner. Former chief of patrol Robert Waring will serve as Chief of Department — the highest-ranking uniformed member of the department.

“I look forward to our bright future working together,” he said. “It’s not going to be easy. There will be long days, sharing ideas and strategies. But together we will continue to make this a phenomenal public safety organization for the residents of this great county.”

“It's my honor to serve you. I will do my best to make this as safe as counting upstairs,” he added. “If we work together and sustain relationships, we can get anything done.”

Harrison said he believes in transparency and taking ownership whether it’s good or bad, and listening, noting that he intends to hear residents concerns if he wishes to be successful.

He went on to credit both the uniformed and civilian members of the department for their work to “protect the county.”

“I will work with you,” he said. “I will support you for the many challenges you face as you serve this great county. The most important thing to me is that you sign out at the end of your tour and that you go home to your family.”

County Executive Steve Bellone said that Harrison's extensive experience will allow him to bring a different perspective to the department and tackle some of the greatest challenges, as well as opportunities. He noted that its important to have leaders in place with integrity and who are innovative and collaborative, which is “Harrison to a ‘T’.”

Harrison worked his way up the ranks to become Chief of Department in his nearly three decades with the NYPD.

“I'm honored and proud to welcome Commissioner Harrison to the Suffolk County Police Department and I know he will lead this department with honor and integrity kind of character that our communities demand and deserve,” Bellone added.