Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris steps down after kidnapping controversy

Posted: 9:48 AM
Last Updated: 20 minutes ago

* By: Dave Biscobing By: Dave Biscobing
* By: ABC15.com staff By: ABC15.com staff

PHOENIX - The City of Phoenix has announced Police Public Safety Manager Jack Harris submitted a letter announcing his retirement effective Friday.

Harris was removed from his position as police chief on March 3, just days after an ABC15 investigation found widespread problems with the department’s 2008 kidnapping statistics.

Acting Chief Joe Yahner took over his duties.

The inflated statistics were used to get millions of dollars in federal grants, putting Phoenix in the middle of a Department of Justice probe.

Harris could not immediately be reached for comment.

He has stated multiple times that he would not step down under any circumstances. Mayor Phil Gordon also publically supported Harris.

However, two weeks ago, ABC15 reported another story revealing Harris had applied to pay $19,000 to add military service time onto his years of service, allowing him to accelerate into a brand new pension.

The city released the following statement Friday morning:

This morning Public Safety Manager Jack Harris submitted a letter to the city announcing his retirement effective today.

"Jack Harris served the residents of Phoenix for more than 39 years, starting as a patrol officer and working in many different areas of the Police Department before becoming Chief in 2004," said Ed Zuercher, assistant city manager.

"While he served as Chief and Public Safety Manager, the Police Department became recognized nationally as a leader in community-based policing. Crime rates are at an all-time low to a great extent because of Jack's focus on getting the worst criminals off the street. Phoenix residents should be proud of their excellent Police Department. We wish Jack well in his retirement."

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_ph ... steps-down