Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced that Michael Harrison will be leaving his role as Police Commissioner.
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Deputy Commissioner Richard Worley will be leading the police department moving forward, the mayor said.
The mayor said he and the commissioner had discussions over the past few weeks about the future of the department. "Over the course of those conversations, it became clear to both of us that this was the right time to make this transition," said Scott.
Harrison said the police department had made significant progress despite facing challenges. "Not only am I immensely proud of this department and what we've been able to accomplish, but I appreciate all the prayers, all of the kind words, the encouragement from the many residents of our city, and supporters from across the country," said Harrison.
Recent reports indicated that Harrison might be leaving Baltimore for the newly-open police chief position in Washington D.C. At a recent Baltimore City budget hearing, Commissioner Harrison said that he was not going to go to Washington D.C., but that he served at the pleasure of the mayor.
During the announcement today, Harrison said that he had no job offers and had not interviewed for any jobs.
City councilman Mark Conway, who represents District 4 and is chair of the council's public safety committee was among those council members reacting today to Harrison's departure and the mayor's decision to make that change.
"It's a decision I don't fully understand. I'll say the mayor has much more information about what's going on in the department, how decisions have been made in the department for why he decided to make this change. There are missing pieces to how we got here," said Conway.
Councilman Eric Costello, who represents District 11, pressed Harrison Tuesday at a budget hearing for an answer on whether the commissioner intended to leave Baltimore. Costello never got a straight answer.
Now, two days later, Costello's reaction to Harrison's departure.
"I think I've been very clear with the need for change and direction in the department. And I'm hopeful now under acting commissioner (Deputy Commissioner Richard Worley's) leadership we're going to see those needed changes," said Costello.
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