The City of Harrisonville is excited to announce the promotion of Darla Harris to the position of Chief of Police.
With her promotion, Harris becomes the first female Police Chief in the history of the Harrisonville Police Department.
Harris, a Cass County native, has served with the Harrisonville Police Department in the rank of Lieutenant since August of 2022, and has been responsible for overseeing all department investigations. Harris was sworn in as Police Chief during the Board of Aldermen meeting on June 16, 2025.
Prior to her time in Harrisonville, Darla served the Kansas City Police Department for nearly 28 years, beginning her career in the jail before graduating from the police academy, serving as a patrol Officer at Metro Patrol Division, and later being promoted to the rank of Detective. During her time as a Detective with KCPD, Harris was assigned to the Gang Squad, Metro Property Crimes, undercover roles with the Street Narcotics and Drug Enforcement Units, Homeland Security Intelligence and served as a Task Force Officer with the FBI.
Harris has served the department faithfully during her time here and held the title of interim Chief of Police, following the retirement of former Police Chief John Hofer.
“I am extremely pleased that Chief Harris has agreed to serve as our City’s Police Chief,” Mayor Zaring said. “She has proven to be an excellent leader and will make an excellent Chief. She has earned the respect of the citizens, staff and officers in this community. I am excited for our City and I am fully confident she will bring the leadership necessary to build moral and a close-knit team of officers that we can continue to be proud of.”
Harris was born and raised in rural Cass County and graduated from Raymore-Peculiar High School before beginning her career in law enforcement.
“I am excited to continue to be a part of the Harrisonville Police Department team,” Chief Harris said. “This agency’s members have a love for each other that is like nothing I have ever seen before, and I am excited to be a part of that. I am also excited to work within the Harrisonville community. They are so kind and supportive when they see us, and that support plays a huge role in the success we are able to have while protecting, serving and working within our community.”
Harris’ leadership is valued, and the City of Harrisonville is proud to have her innovative and dedicated contributions to ensuring the safety and security of our community.
“Darla has been a valued member of our police department, serving with dedication, professionalism and integrity in the role of Lieutenant,” City Administrator Ratliff said. “We are excited to see her bring that same leadership and commitment to the Chief of Police position.”