NAACP Pasadena Hosts Pasadena Police Chief

Pasadena’s Police Chief Eugene Harris (Photo – Screengrab)

On Thursday, February 16, the Pasadena NAACP branch hosted a community conversation to introduce Pasadena’s Police Chief Eugene Harris to community members.

By Meredith McCurdy

The meeting started with an opening from Allen Edson, the NAACP Pasadena President.

Community advocate Ashley Carrasco introduced Chief Harris, and read background information of the Los Angeles County Police Chief’s Association. Chief Harris then introduced himself to the community and shared his reasons for coming to Pasadena and the impact that he wants the department to have in the community.

A question and answer portion started with questions from organizations: the Clergy Community Coalition, Alpha Kappa Alpha, NAACP and the Pasadena Job Center, and then from residents. Question topics included bringing police back in to schools and police interactions with unhoused individuals to changing the culture of the department.

Nicole Bernard, Second Vice President of NAACP Pasadena,said:

The purpose of tonight’s conversation is to start off on a clean slate with the new chief while providing the space for residents to share their concerns. Without a relationship from either side progress is almost impossible to have.

The meeting ended with a networking opportunity to connect with Chief Harris and share concerns or compliments.  To view the meeting please visit the NAACP Pasadena Facebook page.

Meredith McCurdy is a supporter of social justice issues, women’s rights and a lover of life.