By The Tablet Staff

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Bishop Robert Brennan announced the selection of Elizabeth Harris, a retired New York City Police Department Detective, to fill two critical roles in the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Office of Protection of Children and Young People — Victim Assistance Coordinator and 1722 Supervisor.

“Detective Harris brings a unique breadth of experience that will further enhance our efforts to protect the faithful with the strong, safe environment protocols we already have in place. I am grateful she is now sharing her expertise with the diocese to assist us in this most important mission,” said Bishop Brennan.

Harris served in the NYPD for 21 years, 12 of which she worked in the Manhattan Child Abuse Squad, investigating a high volume of allegations of child sexual abuse. She specialized in interviewing sex assault victims. Before that, Harris spent four years in the NYPD’s sex offender monitoring unit. Since retiring from the NYPD, Harris worked at The Safe Center of Long Island as the Director of Forensic Services, where she worked with victims of physical and sexual abuse. 

The Office of Victim Assistance provides pastoral care and assistance to those who have presented themselves to be victims of clergy sexual abuse and is committed to helping them begin the healing process. The 1722 Supervisor is responsible for the monitoring of priests who have been removed from ministry.

Harris received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, majoring in Sociology and Child and Family Studies.

“I am thrilled to bring my experience to the Diocese of Brooklyn and join their mission to advocate for victims of sexual abuse,” Harris said. “It is impressive to witness the level of commitment by Bishop Brennan and the diocese in their work to eradicate any further abuse of children. I am so proud to be a part of this movement.”