Darren Harris | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 3, 1966 |
| Died | November 6, 2023 (aged 56) Santa Clarita, California, US |
| Police career | |
| Department | Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department |
Darren Harris (December 3, 1966 – November 6, 2023) was an American former commander of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and a spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station in California.[1] Harris had a notable career in law enforcement, holding various positions within the department and eventually overseeing the transportation services as a captain. His career was marked by his role in community safety and communication.[2]
Early life and career
Darren Harris was born in 1966. Harris began his career as a Sheriff deputy before becoming a spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, where he played a significant role in law enforcement communication. Harris served as the Chief department spokesperson for 25 years, making statements on live television and to members of the media on behalf of the Santa Clarita Sheriff's Station. The Los Angeles Times called Harris "A recognizable figure on TV."[3]
Harris held various roles in the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Department over the years, serving first as spokesman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, then being promoted to lieutenant in the Sheriff's Information Bureau, followed by a promotion to captain overseeing the department's transportation services. Harris held the rank of commander at the time of his death.[4][5]
Death
On November 6, 2023, Darren Harris was found dead at his home in Santa Clarita, California, at the age of 56. His death was reported alongside the deaths of three other current and retired members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, all occurring within a 24-hour period starting on November 6, 2023.[6]
The circumstances of these deaths, including that of Harris, have led to investigations, with the final report indicating Harris died by suicide, from a self inflicted gunshot wound.[1][7]
Legacy and impact
Harris's death has had a profound impact on the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the community he served. Sheriff Robert Luna issued a statement expressing the department's shock and grief over the loss of Harris and the other department members.[8][9]
Reaction from Deputies
The recent suicides, including Darren Harris, significantly affected deputies in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, leading deputies to respond by voicing heightened stress and a sense of disenchantment. Factors such as increased workloads and staffing shortages, coupled with strict policy enforcement for minor infractions, have contributed to a reluctance in duty performance and a decline in morale. The department's leadership and policy decisions have also been subject to scrutiny, impacting the deputies' operational effectiveness.[5][10]
References
- 1 2 "Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner". Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ↑ Price, Joe. "Four Active and Retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Dead by Suicide in Two Days". Complex. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
- ↑ "Four current and former L.A. Sheriff's Department employees died by suicide in a 24-hour span". Los Angeles Times. 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ↑ Smith, Perry (2023-11-07). "UPDATE: Sheriff issues statement after 4 suicides involving current, former employees". Santa Clarita Valley Signal. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- 1 2 "The Vultures Are Circling – New "Just A Deputy" Letter Surfaces Amid Department Suicides and Crushing Morale Among Rank and File – The Current Report". 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ↑ "(L.A.) Darren Harris, 56, Ended His Life". Hollywood LA News. 2023-11-07. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ↑ "4 Current or Former Members of L.A. County Sheriff's Office Died by Suicide Within Span of 2 Days". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ↑ "L.A. Sheriff speaks out after 4 suspected deputy suicides in 24 hours". KTLA. 2023-11-16. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ↑ "Thoughts about this week's four LASD suicides |". 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2023-11-28.
- ↑ Tucker, Emma (2023-11-12). "Inside the 'pressure cooker': 4 current and former LA sheriff's employees die by suicide in less than 24 hours". CNN. Retrieved 2023-11-29.