City of Modesto, California News Release

The official swearing-in ceremony of Modesto’s new Chief of Police Mike Harden will take place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, in the City Council Chambers, located in the basement of Tenth Street Place, 1010 10^th Street.  Harden will be sworn-in to the Office of the Chief of Police in a brief ceremony which will include comments from Mayor Jim Ridneour and City Manager Greg Nyhoff as well as a pinning ceremony.

Chief Harden is a 26-year veteran of the Modesto Police Department where he began his career as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks.  He has served as Assistant Police Chief since 2003 and has served as Acting Police Chief since June of 2009.

Chief Harden holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class, the WestPoint Leadership Program at the Los Angeles Police Department, and California Command College.  He has lived in Modesto since 1970 and is a graduate of Modesto’s Davis High School.