Colorado State University Names Five-Year CSUPD Veteran as New Chief of Police

Colorado State University announced today that Lt. Scott Harris, a five-year veteran of the CSU Police Department with 39 years of diverse law enforcement experience, will become the CSUPD chief on Aug. 1.

Harris, who came to the university in 2008 after serving in law enforcement in Corrales and Albuquerque, New Mexico, has served in a leadership role at CSUPD since his arrival, overseeing patrol and investigative divisions as well as budget and administrative functions. Harris also has provided leadership within university and community committees, including representing CSUPD to groups that address student and employee related health and safety concerns.

“Lt. Harris brings a wealth of extensive, valuable experience and leadership to this position,” said Amy Parsons, vice president for University Operations, who oversees CSUPD. “Scott is a proven leader who has developed a broad base of policing skills that will serve the university well. He’s looking forward to further strengthening his relationships with university divisions and leadership while serving the needs of campus. We are pleased to welcome him into this new role.”

While in Corrales, Harris supervised a regional narcotics task force for 14 years before coming to CSU. At the Albuquerque Police Department, he managed units with specialized duties including traffic patrols, DUI and SWAT enforcement, domestic abuse response and investigations. He also had a leadership role in planning and research, formulating annual budgets and coordinating capital improvement projects.

“I am extremely excited to be offered the opportunity to lead the women and men of the CSUPD and continue the good work that the department has been doing over the last four years,” Harris said. “Our goal will be to continue to make the CSU campus a safe place for our students, faculty and staff. I look forward to working in close partnership with the various departments and groups on campus to further to the collaborations and partnership currently in place.”

Harris also is a leader in collaborating with area law enforcement agencies, and he has served on several community boards throughout his career. In addition, he currently coordinates community volunteers that serve weekly meals to those in need through Catholic Charities and is active in Knights of Columbus community projects.

A 2012 graduate of the criminal justice program at the University of Oklahoma, Harris also has completed more than 3,800 hours of police training, including attending multiple trainings through the FBI and DEA, including graduating from the FBI National Academy and the DEA Drug Commanders Academy. This week, he graduated from the FBI Command College.
-30-