Annapolis mayor names Demetrious Harris as new police chief

Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann finally made his pick to lead the city’s police department, nine months after he removed the last police chief.

Littman announced late Thursday that he selected Demetrious Harris, who last served as the chief of police for the City of Seat Pleasant, a small incorporated city in Prince George’s County that wraps around the easternmost point of Washington, D.C.

The appointment of Harris will have to be confirmed by the Annapolis City Council. Littman plans to introduce the resolution Nov. 23 during a council meeting and a vote is expected Dec. 14, according to the mayor’s news release.

“We have a high degree of confidence in the selection of Chief Harris as the next leader for the Annapolis Police Department,” said Yolanda Lewis, who is the city manager.

Littman fired the former chief, Edward Jackson, in early February just two months after he became mayor. Littman provided very few details about the firing, but said the two had “differing approaches to management.”

Littmann faced pointed questions from the city’s Black community after firing Jackson, who was the city’s second Black police chief. Jackson served as chief from August 2019 to February 2026.

At the time, Littmann said Jackson had been given the opportunity to resign, but declined, so the mayor removed him.

The union that represents the Annapolis Police Department, UFCW Local 400, celebrated the news of Jackson’s removal at the time.

Littman tapped Amy Miguez, a 25-year veteran of the Police Department, to serve as acting police chief.

The choice of Harris comes after a comprehensive search that included the input of Annapolis residents.

A police chief in Seat Pleasant, Harris focused on community-centered policing, which included expanding community engagement initiatives and establishing a Citizens Advisory Council, the mayor’s release said. His tech-forward approach involved using GPS to reduce police pursuits and statistical data platforms to reduce crime.

He’s a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy program and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, among others. He holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Police and Security Studies from George Washington University.

If confirmed, his first day will be Dec. 15 and his salary will be $214,000.

“Chief Harris brings an exceptional depth of municipal and public safety leadership to Annapolis,” Littman said in a statement.

When Jackson was fired, Littman suggested the search for a new police chief would take a while. He said his administration would prioritize hiring a city manager before a police chief. He announced picks for that position and city attorney in mid-April. The former city attorney departed suddenly last December, just days after Littman was sworn in.

The Annapolis Police Department’s annual budget has increased from $27.1 million in fiscal year 2025 to $30.2 million in the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget.