ALBANY, NY – Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins announced today the Chief will be departing the Albany Police Department at the beginning of December to continue his career as the Police Commissioner in the Warren Police Department in the state of Michigan. Since being appointed Chief of the APD in September 2018, Chief Hawkins has made a significant impact, including leading the Department through implementation of policing reforms recommended by the City’s Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.
Chief Hawkins is the longest serving Albany Police Chief in more than 40 years. During his tenure APD has addressed numerous challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic leading to a decrease in shootings, and a significant increase in illegal guns recovered. Chief Hawkins has also played an important role in programs such as Pastors on Patrol, Men on a Mission, the NYS GIVE Initiative, and the creation of New York State’s largest Crime Analysis Center, located within the APD Headquarters. Chief Hawkins also instituted an internationally-recognized Therapy Dog Program and implemented the Community Liaison Partnership – a program that allows city residents to help train police academy recruits. He created a paid Police Cadet Program, Civilian Auxiliary Program, and a program to integrate social workers into police operations. In addition, Chief Hawkins oversaw significant infrastructure upgrades to police facilities, including the build-out of a new 911 dispatch center.
Prior to coming to Albany, Chief Hawkins rose through the ranks of the Southfield, Michigan police department, becoming Chief of SPD in 2012. He earned a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, holds a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and an Associate’s in Business Administration from Oakland Community College.
Chief Hawkins is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy, Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI Command Institute for Police Executives, and Central Michigan University’s Law Enforcement and School Liaison Program Institute. His professional affiliations include International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Chief Hawkins will remain with the APD until the beginning of December and will assist the Mayor on a transition plan ahead his departure.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: “I am extremely grateful to Chief Hawkins for his 6+ years of service to the residents of the City of Albany and the Albany Police Department. During his time as leader of this organization, we have seen incredible work done by the APD.
“Gun violence is down, we have taken a record number of illegal guns off our streets, and we are closing homicide cases at nearly double the national average. Chief Hawkins has also doubled down on our commitment to community policing and 21st century policing strategies to ensure the department continues to foster stronger relationships throughout the City.
“I once again thank Chief Hawkins for the work he has done for our community and wish him the best of luck in Michigan.”
Chief Eric Hawkins said, “I thank Mayor Sheehan for offering me the opportunity to serve in Albany and for her unwavering support during both good and challenging times. Mayor Sheehan is the most talented leader I have ever met, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from her over these years.
“The men and women of the Albany Police Department consistently demonstrated during my tenure why they are among the best in the entire country. No other law enforcement agency had higher expectations or scrutiny than the sworn and non-sworn of the APD. They rose to the occasion every time. I was honored to serve alongside them, and I will always be their biggest supporter.
“I will be forever grateful for the hospitality shown to me by the members of the Albany community. From the moment I arrived in the city over six years ago, I was treated like a beloved long-term resident. I will miss the people of this community dearly.
“It was an honor for me to serve in a city I grew to love. Albany is a special place. Albany will forever have a special place in my heart.”
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