After almost two years, Mount Vernon officially has a new head of police.

Shawn Harris, the town's acting commissioner, was officially sworn in last week as the city's top officer. He is the third under Mayor Richard Thomas' administration and the first full-time police commissioner since 2016.

"I know that Mount Vernon has so much potential," Harris says.

Harris grew up on the city's south side, inspired by officers who patrolled his neighborhood.

He will now oversee the city's finest, made up of nearly 200 officers, implementing initiatives like Project Bright Knight.

The initiative encourages local businesses to improve, upgrade and share surveillance video.

Harris is also a Navy veteran, and says he wants the community to see police differently.

"Not only are they police officers, but they are customer service officers of the city," he says.