Finding out who is actually patrolling the streets of Chicago isn't always as easy as a quick Google search. You’ve probably seen the name Andre Harris Chicago police officer pop up in local databases or community discussions. Honestly, in a city with over 11,000 sworn personnel, it’s easy for a specific name to get lost in the noise, but Detective Andre Harris isn't just another number on a spreadsheet. He represents a specific era of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), moving through the ranks during some of the city's most turbulent years for law enforcement.
Most people looking him up are trying to separate the officer from the various other "Andre Harrises" in the news—and trust me, there are a few. From a man involved in a high-profile Burlington murder case to various other locals, the name is common. But the Detective Andre Harris within the CPD has a paper trail that tells a story of a long-term career starting back in the late 2000s.
Who Exactly is Detective Andre Harris?
To get the facts straight, we have to look at the official rosters. Andre D. Harris (Badge #20629) has been on the force since December 16, 2009. That's a long time. Basically, he’s seen the department change through three different mayors and multiple superintendents.
He didn't start as a detective. Most don't. He spent nearly a decade as a beat officer, primarily in the 5th District (Calumet) and the 44th District. You've gotta respect the grind of those early years; he was promoted to Detective in November 2018. Since then, he’s been assigned to Detective Area Central (Unit 610).
Breaking Down the Career Timeline
- Hired: December 16, 2009.
- Patrol Years: 2010 to late 2018 (mostly in District 005).
- Promotion: Attained the rank of Detective on November 1, 2018.
- Current Standing: Still active on the force as of early 2026.
It is kinda interesting to see how long an officer stays in one district before moving up. Being in the 5th District for that long means he likely knew those neighborhoods like the back of his hand.
The Record: Commendations and Complaints
In Chicago, everyone wants to know about the "wrap sheet" for cops. The Invisible Institute and other oversight groups track this stuff closely. If you look at the data for Andre Harris Chicago police officer, you see a mixed bag that is pretty typical for a long-tenured detective in a high-crime city.
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On one hand, he’s got the awards. We’re talking about the 2019 Crime Reduction Award and multiple "Emblem of Recognition" awards for physical fitness. He also has several Attendance Recognition Awards. It sounds like he’s the kind of guy who shows up and does the work.
But you can't talk about a CPD veteran without talking about complaints. He has had around 22 "Operation/Personnel Violations" over his career. Now, before you jump to conclusions, most of these were "Administratively Closed" or resulted in "No Action Taken." In the world of policing, many of these are technicalities—missing a court date, paperwork errors, or minor procedural stuff.
However, there was at least one "Sustained" violation back in 2017. These are the details that matter when we talk about transparency. He has also been exonerated in "Use of Force" reports, meaning the department found his actions were within policy during those specific high-stress encounters.
Why People Get Confused (The "Other" Andre Harrises)
This is where things get messy for the average person searching the web. If you type in the name, you might find articles about an Andre Harris arrested for a murder in Burlington, Iowa, in 2019. That is not the police officer.
There was also a high-profile case involving a Lamarr Harris who shot three Chicago officers in 2016. Again, different guy. Then you have the 2026 court case People v. Harris, which involves a different Andre Harris entirely.
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It’s a classic case of name duplication causing a digital headache. If you’re looking for the officer, you have to look for the badge number (20629) and his specific assignment in Area Central.
The Reality of Being a Detective in 2026
Being a detective in Chicago right now is a different beast than it was when Harris started in 2009. The budget for the CPD is under a microscope, with the city facing a billion-dollar shortfall this year. Every detective's overtime and every closed case is scrutinized by both the public and the City Council.
Detective Harris works out of Area Central, which covers some of the busiest parts of the city. We are talking about everything from the Loop to the near West Side. The caseload for detectives in these areas is often staggering.
"The data suggests that while many complaints are filed against veteran officers, the context of their specific assignments—like high-crime districts or detective units—often leads to a higher volume of interactions, both positive and negative." — Community Oversight Observation.
What This Means for You
If you live in Chicago or you're researching the department, understanding the history of an officer like Andre Harris gives you a window into how the CPD functions. He’s a veteran. He’s a "Black" officer (as noted in his ID profile) who has climbed the ladder from patrol to detective.
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In a city that is constantly debating police reform and accountability, Harris represents the "middle" of the department—the seasoned officers who are neither the focus of major national scandals nor the "superstar" faces of the PR wing. He is, by all accounts in the data, a man doing a very difficult job in a very difficult city.
Key Takeaways for Researching Chicago Officers
- Always verify badge numbers: It’s the only way to be sure you have the right person.
- Check the status: Many officers with old complaints have since been exonerated or the cases were closed due to lack of evidence.
- Context is everything: A detective in a high-volume area will naturally have more reports filed than someone behind a desk.
If you’re trying to track the progress of a specific case or you’re looking for more info on CPD transparency, your best bet is to head over to the City of Chicago Data Portal or the CPDP (Chicago Police Data Project). These sites let you filter by badge number and see the raw numbers without the spin.
The story of any police officer is usually a long one, filled with thousands of hours of patrol, hundreds of reports, and a handful of moments that end up in a database. For Detective Andre Harris, his sixteen-year career is a roadmap of the modern Chicago Police Department—flaws, awards, and all.
Check the official CPD bulletins if you're looking for recent commendations, as the 2026 records are being updated monthly for public viewing. Keeping an eye on these public records is the most effective way to stay informed about the people serving your community.