After graduation from Saint Augustines College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Captain Denise Harris-Powell began her law enforcement career with the New Bern Police Department.

After many assignments throughout the department, Captain Harris-Powell was promoted to the rank of Sergeant; becoming a first line supervisor in the Patrol Division and later in the Investigations Division. In June 1999 she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where she served as Patrol Section Commander.  In January 2007, she was promoted to Captain.

Captain Harris-Powell currently serves as Operations Division Commander with responsibilities over the Operations for the entire city.  She has received her Advanced Certification from the North Carolina Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.