Much of Johnson's twelve-year tenure was plagued by eight separate charges of racial harassment that stemmed from the police's dealings with students and from within the department itself.

During this search, administrators placed great emphasis in choosing a candidate with a strong record background in dealing with race relations.

"I have a track record [at the state police] of trying to diversify the work force," Riley said. "I think I have been successful in that."

"The principle of racial discrimination is not going to be tolerated, and I think that has been my history and my record," he said.

Others interviewed said they thought Riley can successfully tackle the issue of race relations.

"I think he is fair, an excellent listener, and I think he has the demonstrative capacity to reach out to people of different backgrounds and experiences," said Stern, who worked with Riley while Riley was in the state police and Stern was chief legal counsel for former Gov. Michael S. Dukakis.

"I believe that he has the skills to work with the complex population at Harvard to include blacks and others throughout the international community," Perry said.

And O'Toole cited Riley's status as a University graduate as one reason he will be able to deal well with student issues.

"I think he will have the unique ability to forge partnerships between the police department and the student body because he is a graduate of the Kennedy School and has experienced Harvard from that perspective," O'Toole said.

Riley received a Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1990.

Frank Hartmann, the executive director of the Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, said he taught Riley in a research seminar and a class on crime control and justice. "The work he did at the Kennedy School was first-rate," Hartmann said.

On the Agenda

Riley said he was not yet sure what changes, if any, he would make in the department.

"I don't have any idea yet," Riley said. "I haven't had time to look at the department. I am unaware what has been going on over there."

"I'm sure he'll bring some new and fresh ideas to the Harvard police department, but I don't expect any immediate changes," Rooney said.

Stern said Riley would take some time to survey the opinions of others in the department.