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Credit: Photo by Scott McKay
Rhonda Harris, formerly a lieutenant
with the Rutgers University Police
Department, has been appointed chief of
the 127-member force.
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Rhonda Harris, an award-winning 17-year veteran of the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) with extensive experience in community policing, has been named chief of the 127-member force.
Harris, whose appointment took effect Feb. 13, most recently served as RUPD lieutenant. She progressed through the ranks of the department and held various leadership positions in patrol and investigations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers and a master’s degree in psychology from John Jay College, and is pursuing a master’s in public administration at Rutgers.
Harris, who was appointed chief following a nine-month search, has been involved in the development of promotional standards, departmental performance appraisals and instituting community policing initiatives. In addition, she has been awarded several citations, including the President’s Bridge Award in 2005 for her work with “RU Safe?,” a personal safety and security program for students.
Prior to joining the RUPD in 1989, Harris served as a police officer and investigator with the El Reno Police Department in Oklahoma.
Jay Kohl, executive director of public safety, says Harris’ leadership skills, experience and education make her an ideal choice. “Rhonda possesses an extraordinary knowledge of the Rutgers Police Department and a profound appreciation for its role in the university community,” Kohl says. “She has been instrumental in the RUPD’s evolution to a progressive, community-based, professional organization.”
Harris is looking forward to continuing the professional development of the department. “The hard-working men and women who comprise the RUPD are committed to fostering community partnerships to assist with problem-solving and maintaining a safe, open environment at Rutgers,” Harris says. “I envision this department applying
the philosophies of community policing to push Rutgers to the forefront of university public safety.”
She is one of five female police chiefs in New Jersey.
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