GARY | The city of Gary saw a fourth person named chief of police in 15 months following Monday's surprise announcement that interim Police Chief Larry Wright was removed.

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Lt. Reginald Harris became permanent chief of police effective Monday, following a 22-year career with the department. Harris has worked as a commander, supervisor and officer in the patrol and auto detail divisions.

"I am looking forward to accepting the challenge of moving the department forward. Along with the men and women of the department, I want to fulfill the major dream of making Gary a safe city," Harris said in a written statement.

Wright, 59, said he learned of the new chief being named Monday morning. Wright said he did not know what his new assignment would be.

"I have no idea yet. We're still negotiating that," Wright said.

Wright was appointed interim chief in March following the abrupt retirement of Thomas Houston, who was indicted six days earlier. Houston is accused of abusing the civil rights of four suspects wanted in a burglary of Houston's home.

Houston retired after more than 40 years on the force, clearing the way for Mayor Rudy Clay to appoint Wright to the job on an interim basis.

Mayor Rudy Clay said Wright had "done a fine job" as acting chief.

"But after assessing other candidates over the past months, we believe Harris will be a good permanent replacement," Clay said in a written statement.

The staff shuffling comes as Gary struggles to get control of its crime rate. After a sharp increase in killings in the city in 2007, the homicide rate has dropped by about half so far this year.