Pharr Selects Andy Harvey as Chief of Police

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Pharr Selects Andy Harvey as Chief of Police

Andrew "Andy" Harvey Jr.Andrew “Andy” Harvey Jr. is the City of Pharr’s new chief of police. Harvey was appointed by interim City Manager Ed Wylie and then confirmed by the Pharr City Commission. He was sworn into office at a Pharr City Commission meeting by Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.

“Having the opportunity to return to the Valley in a fast-growing, dynamic city and region is incredible,” said Harvey.  “I look forward to working with the men and women of the Pharr PD to add value to the city,” he added.

Chief Harvey has a wealth of military and transformational law enforcement leadership experience. He has most recently served as chief of police for the cities of Palestine and Ennis, Texas. Harvey’s innovation in policing includes implementing crime fighting strategies to target drugs and property crimes using covert and other technology. He also created a Quality of Life Officer position, working with social services, child protective services and mental health agencies. Together, they provide better quality care to citizens challenged with mental health and drug addiction.

A decorated officer

While heading up the Palestine Police Department, Harvey was named Palestine Difference Maker in 2018 and 2019 by the Herald Press Newspaper. Harvey also serves on the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force in Washington D.C. The national group of police chiefs and sheriffs has a voice on how immigration reform relates to public safety.

Prior to his tenure in Palestine and Ennis, Harvey served more than 21 years at the Dallas Police Department, retiring in 2017. Harvey also served as First Sergeant of the 136th Mission Support Group of the U.S. Air National Guard. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserve and the Texas Army National Guard from 1987 through 2008. He retired honorably, receiving numerous accolades. This includes the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Operation Iraqi Freedom for deploying to the Middle East.

Harvey holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas. He also possesses a Doctorate of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership from Destiny College International. He is certified as a Master Peace Officer and a TCOLE Certified Instructor.

A professional speaker and presenter, Harvey has presented Excellence in Policing and Confident Media Relations courses to hundreds of police executives in Texas and throughout the country. As an executive trainer, he has trained many leaders around the state in leadership, community relations and media relations.

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