Former Waterford police sergeant stands for public safety at Capitol

The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police recently named state Rep. Mike Harris Legislator of the Year for 2024.

The association issued the award to Harris, a retired Waterford police sergeant who served in law enforcement for 26 years, in recognition of his efforts last year to support police officers and educate the public about soft-on-crime policies.

“Day after day, police officers face danger to keep their neighbors safe from theft and violence,” Harris said. “They deserve support — not abusive rhetoric from activists, unsafe red tape from politicians, or dangerous criminals released back on the streets early. As some in Lansing have tried to undermine law enforcement and public safety, I’ve stood up for crime victims, community residents, and the officers who keep the rest of us safe. I’m grateful to the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for the award and, more importantly, for the chiefs’ and officers’ selfless service.”

Harris, R-Waterford, served on the House Criminal Justice Committee last term, where he and his Republican colleagues spoke and voted against several proposals to let violent criminals out of prison years before serving their minimum sentences; none of the early release bills passed the House of Representatives. Harris also successfully opposed bills to cuff the hands of officers by inhibiting standard tactics police use to keep themselves and others safe.

Harris, who serves on the House Judiciary Committee this term, said he looks forward to continuing his work to support police officers and public safety this year.

“I’ll always have the backs of our men and women in blue,” Harris said. “These devoted officers can rest assured that their representatives will never stop working to provide the funding and tools our police departments need to do their duty and protect the people of Michigan.”