Rock Island names new deputy police chief

Rock Island has a new deputy chief of police.

Rock Island Chief of Police Tim McCloud announced that Lt. James Morris has been chosen as the new deputy chief of police. Morris will be sworn in at a ceremony in the Rock Island Police Department Community Room, 1212 Fifth Avenue at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 8.

Deputy Chief Morris began working with the Rock Island Police Department in December 2000 and served in a variety of roles, including elderly service officer and hostage negotiator. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October 2010. He was assistant watch commander and later transferred to the position of deputy commander of the Technical Services Division. He became a lieutenant in February 2019 and served as a watch commander until he was transferred to commander of the Technical Services Division. Since 2021, he has worked as an agent in the Office of Professional Standards. Deputy Chief Morris also has served as accreditation manager, range instructor, records management system administrator, supervisor of the Hostage Negotiation Team and as president of the pension fund.

Deputy Chief Morris graduated from the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, class #555, in December 2023. “With nearly 24 years on the Rock Island Police Department, Deputy Chief Morris has a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from and I look forward to the leadership, dedication and service he brings to the position as he continues to serve the citizens of Rock Island,” Chief McCloud said.

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