Emil Harris
Los Angeles police chief, 1877–1878
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Emil Harris (December 29, 1839 – April 28, 1921)[1][2] was the only Jewish police chief in Los Angeles, California.[3] He was also the second to have occupied the position since it was established in 1877.[4] Harris was appointed to serve for one year from December 27, 1877 to December 5, 1878.[5]
December 29, 1839
Emil Harris | |
|---|---|
| Born | Emil Harris December 29, 1839 |
| Died | April 28, 1921 (aged 81) |
| Known for | First Jewish Chief of Police of Los Angeles, California |
| Police career | |
| Service | Police Officer |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Department | Los Angeles Police Department |
| Service years | 1877–1878 (Chief of Police) |
| Status | Retired |
| Rank | Chief of Police; Deputy Chief; Detective |
| Other work | Mayor pro tempore of Los Angeles (1879) |
Background
He was born in Prussia and immigrated to Los Angeles in 1869. He helped create the city's first volunteer fire department. He began a six-person police department where he quickly became a deputy chief. The Yiddish-speaking cop became chief after his leadership in the Chinatown massacre of 1871.[4] He was previously a detective who - together with then chief B.F. "Frank" Hartley and other officers - captured the horse thief Tiburcio Vasquez in 1874[6] at the present-day intersection of Santa Monica Blvd. and Kings Road.
In 1879, he also became the mayor pro tempore of Los Angeles.[5]
