City leaders reacted to the news that Michael Harrison, former commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department, stepped down.

Days prior to the announcement, Harrison faced questions from a city council member seeking an answer as to whether or not he would leave the department. Harrison did not provide a clear answer at that time.

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Councilwoman Odette Ramos said the following on Harrison's departure:

"I am sorry that Commissioner Harrison will be leaving the Baltimore City Police Department. He began the transformation of the department into an entity that operates with the understanding that public safety has to be done with integrity and constitutional focus. The transformation with the consent decree is not a small task. He has inspired leaders and the officers on the ground. He has elevated more women into leadership roles than any other police commissioner and made sure the officers have the resources they need.

Commissioner Harrison believed in transparency and accountability, as a member of the Public Safety and Government Operations Committee, I saw this firsthand. Sometimes, when an organization needs to be stabilized and turned around, there is a certain skill set that is needed to make that happen. The Commissioner has that skill set, and it seems to me that he feels the transformation is well on its way, so he can turn to whatever needs him next. I wish him well in his future endeavors.

Former deputy commissioner Richard Worley was named Acting Commissioner of the BPD during the press conference. Ramos continued, saying:

Acting Commissioner Rich Worley is one of our own. He grew up in Baltimore and made the fight for public safety his lifelong career. He has been a trusted officer and commander in several districts, so he knows this city like the back of his hand. I have confidence he will do a great job. As a Councilwoman, a member of the Public Safety and Government Operations Committee, and as a resident of Baltimore, I look forward to working with him, while ensuring that he operates in a transparent manner."

Councilman Eric Costello, who pressed Harrison at a budget meeting on June 6, said:

"Today Mayor Scott announced BPD Police Commissioner Michael Harrison is resigning. This was a concern of the City Council during budget hearings this week. In short, thank you to Michael Harrison for his service to the City of Baltimore.

The Mayor has named Rich Worley as Interim BPD Commissioner and intends to formally nominate him to the BPD Commissioner. I have had a great working relationship with Interim Commissioner Worley during my nearly nine years on the City Council. I am confident this will continue and that he will make the meaningful changes necessary to ensure all our communities across Baltimore City are safe."

City Comptroller Bill Henry said:

"Thanks to Commissioner Harrison’s dedication and hard work, we have a substantially better managed police department. As a veteran of federal policing consent decrees, his knowledge and leadership were indispensable in the monumental progress BPD has made towards emerging from our own consent decree. I appreciate his service to the City of Baltimore and I wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Councilman Mark Conway, Chair of the Baltimore City Council's Public Safety and Government Operations Committee said:

"I’d like to thank Commissioner Harrison for his service to Baltimore and wish him well in his future endeavors. The reforms this department has made over the past several years must continue, and I look forward to working with his successor. The mayor has nominated a respected member of the department in Deputy Commissioner Worley, and I will be closely examining his nomination and vision for the department alongside my colleagues. With crime and violence declining in some areas but still at unacceptable levels, our city can’t afford anything less than a fully focused department.”

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Councilwoman Sharon Green Middleton said:

"Although this decision by Commissioner Harrison has taken me by surprise, I respect his personal decision. Commissioner Harrison has been a caring and dedicated leader to the City of Baltimore during his tenure as Police Commissioner. I wish the Commissioner and his wonderful wife all the best. My focus is now on the Baltimore City Police Department maintaining continuity during his departure."

Councilman Antonio Glover said:

"I appreciate Commissioner Harrison’s service to the city and the citizens of Baltimore. I think it was the right decision, at the right time that our city moves forward in a new direction. As I often mentioned, the citizens of Baltimore want and deserve better. I welcome the new acting commissioner in hopes that we can restore trust and broken relationships within our communities as we work to reduce crime and make our city safe for all."