Bob Harrison

Photo of Bob Harrison
Adjunct International/Defense Researcher
Off Site Office

Education

P.G. Dipl. in business strategy & innovation, Oxford University; M.S. in management, California Polytechnic University, Pomona; M.S. in human resource management & organization development, Chapman University

Overview

Bob Harrison is an adjunct researcher at RAND Corporation. Harrison completed his 30-year police career in 2004 as a Chief of Police. He is the course manager for the CA Peace Officer Standards and Training’s (POST) Command College, a graduate program for law enforcement managers. While a fellow with POST, he created and taught instructor development training to the State’s academy instructors. In 2015, he was part of a team that facilitated the creation of a Law Enforcement Foresight Unit for the police in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Harrison has authored articles that have appeared in a number of state and national law enforcement publications.

His research interests include homeland security, justice policy, organizational development, leadership, futures and foresight tools, communications and writing. Harrison's work includes developing a virtual reality platform for police critical decision-making, and the creation of a national guidance document for law enforcement agencies as they make choices about the transition to emerging broadband technologies for public safety.

Research Focus

Concurrent Non-RAND Positions

Course Manager, CA POST Command College

Previous Positions

Police Chief 1998-2004; Fulbright Fellow in Police Studies to the United Kingdom

Recent Projects

  • The future of broadband for law enforcement
  • Virtual reality for police critical decision-making

Selected Publications

Bob Harrison, "Command College - Foresight as a Foundation to Law Enforcement Executive Development," On the Horizon, (March), 2019

Bob Harrison, "Why Should Cops Study the Future?" FBI National Academy Associates Magazine, (March), 2015

Bob Harrison, "Forrester's Rules for Police Leadership," The Police Chief, (January), 2015

Bob Harrison, "Police Training 2032 - A Retrospective," The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, (September ), 2014

Bob Harrison, "The Great Reset - Policing in 2030," PoliceOne, 2020

Commentary

  • Police officers stand guard across Central Park West during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in New York City, June 5, 2020, photo by Mike Segar/Reuters

    From Warrior to Guardian: A Systems Approach to Reduce Police Violence

    Personal accountability will always have a role in policing. But the kind of cultural change that is necessary to prevent tragedy is often best tackled by focusing on the system rather than merely blaming the individual officer.

    Jul 1, 2020 CalMatters

  • Police officers from the Madison Police Department wearing face protective gear take information from a man at a bus stop in Madison, Wisconsin, April 17, 2020, photo by Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

    Reactivating Retirees for Police Service in Times of Crisis

    As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of police officers and deputies have been exposed to or tested positive for the coronavirus. Gaps in personnel coverage could be filled by easing restrictions on the hiring of retired police officers rather than relying on existing resources.

    Apr 21, 2020 Police One

  • Police cars lined up, photo by Adonis page/Getty Images

    The Great Reset: Policing in 2030

    Scenarios of possible futures can help planners envision what the future could be, and plan ways to optimize opportunities or mitigate damage. Trends regarding retail operations, hotels, tax revenues, fines and forfeitures, and autonomous vehicles are all happening today. We've imagined how they might extend into the future.

    Apr 20, 2020 Police One