Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Abstract

Carmelo Barbera Cruz and Devona Robertson interview Clifton Harris, a man with a deep history within law enforcement in the Inland Empire. Harris began the interview by discussing learning and working in the newspaper due to his father-in-law. He then spoke about his time as a deputy sheriff in which he worked on cases relating to death and other serious crimes. He was even in an episode of 20/20, titled “The Chameleon”, in which he helped the investigation regarding a serial killer. The interviewee discusses his years in the police department in the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and his connections to interesting individuals. Many of them are actors or political leaders, such as Kamala Harris. In his work, he mentions how he had support from the Jewish, Hispanic, and Indian communities that many in his circle did not agree with. Harris also taught in high schools and colleges. He also created a plan to combat domestic violence at a time when most people did not focus on it. He mentioned that he created the Black Peace Officers Organization, which had support from other organizations and also helped people win positions in office. Harris mentions that he worked hard from a young age due to his grandmother pushing that sense of self-worth and working values. He was taught that most people would not help or care about him, so learning how to work would help him survive. He went over going to law school to teach instead of becoming a lawyer and working as a private investigator. While talking about a case he worked on that related to an officer-involved shooting, Harris speaks about helping the victim’s mother. He also spoke of the grief of the father and men in general. Harry Walker, as the interviewee mentions, was a man who taught him not to abuse his power as a police officer, which are words he still holds on to. After showing the objects he was proud of, which were a graduation plaque from Pepperdine University and his police badge with ID Card, Harris speaks again on elected officials. His issue stems from elected officials not speaking on the killings of minorities by officers and spoke of a friend who was kicked off the Victorville City Council. The interview ends with Harris advising the future generations who want to do good in the world. His words consisted of knowing one's limitations, not being afraid to speak the truth, surviving, and trusting one’s gut in dangerous situations.

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