The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) announced that Cherie Harris, formerly the City of Monroe Police Department’s deputy chief, has been hired as  KPD’s Professional Standards Captain. Harris started with KPD on March 1.

As the Professional Standards Captain, Harris will be responsible for the Investigations Unit, the Special Response Team, Training Division, Internal Investigations, and Accreditation.

She joins the command staff of Police Chief Eric Olsen, Operations Captain Bill Hamilton, and Administrative Captain Mike Ursino. She replaces Captain Gene Markle, who retired in November, 2011.

“Captain Harris is well respected by her peers around Washington State,” noted Chief Olsen. “Her leadership skills and experience will serve the Police Department and community extremely well.”

Harris started her law enforcement career in 1993 with the Washington State University Police Department and later joined the Monroe Police Department as a patrol officer in February 1996.

She served as a patrol sergeant and was promoted to the rank of operations commander in December 2002. In October of 2006, she was appointed to the position of deputy chief.

“The Kirkland Police Department is made up of professional men and women who are well known for setting the standard in providing excellent law enforcement services,” notes Captain Harris.  “I am very impressed with the strong community connections the department has created within the city and am very excited to be joining the KPD team.”

Deputy Chief Harris has a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences from Washington State University (2006) and is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (2003).

Captain Harris has been active in her community of Monroe, including fund raising for Special Olympics and as a member of the Monroe Rotary.