Senate Resolution No. 559

BY: Senator PERSAUD

RECOGNIZING Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison as
the first woman to serve as Commanding Officer of
Patrol Borough Brooklyn North of the New York City
Police Department

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished officers and citizens who would devote
themselves to public service, demonstrating great courage and diligence
in providing for the care and welfare of the citizens of their
communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison as the first woman to serve as
Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North of the New York City
Police Department, in conjunction with the observance of Women's History
Month; and

WHEREAS, Judith R. Harrison joined the New York City Police
Department on April 15, 1997, and began her illustrious career in law
enforcement on patrol in the 103rd Precinct; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the New York
City Police Department, Judith R. Harrison climbed the ranks to become
Sergeant in September of 2002, Lieutenant in June of 2006, Captain in
January of 2013, Deputy Inspector in March of 2015, Inspector in March
of 2017, Deputy Chief in July of 2018, and Assistant Chief in June of
2020; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her esteemed assignment as the Commanding Officer
of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, Judith R. Harrison was assigned as the
Commanding Officer of the Special Victims Division where she made
ongoing reforms to focus more acutely on victims' needs; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary woman commanded the 109th
and 112th Precincts, and served as the Executive Officer of the
Detective Bureau and the 115th Precinct; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison has brought a high level
of knowledge, enthusiasm and empathy to Patrol Borough Brooklyn North;
she has patrol experience in every rank and is truly dedicated to
ensuring that crimes and quality of life conditions are addressed in a
fair and compassionate manner; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, she is committed to working within a
multi-disciplinary, collaborative team structure, creating and
maintaining strong connections with partner agencies, elected officials,
key community stakeholders and members of faith-based institutions; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison is the fourth African
American woman in NYPD history to ascend to the rank of Assistant Chief,
and the first woman in NYPD history to be assigned as Commanding Officer
of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North; and

WHEREAS, With a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, Assistant Chief
Judith R. Harrison is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research
Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to her profession, Assistant Chief Judith R.
Harrison is a lifetime member of the National Organization of Black Law
Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), where she currently serves nationally as
Recording Secretary; she is also a member of the Police Executive
Research Forum, the International Council of Women in Law Enforcement,
and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated public servants who unselfishly devote their lives to the
preservation of order and the protection of others are worthy and due
full praise for their commitment and noble endeavors; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison as the first woman to serve
as Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North of the New York
City Police Department; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison.