Chief Eric Hawkins was sworn in as Albany, New York’s 25th Police Chief on 

September 7, 2018.  During Chief Hawkins’ tenure in Albany, he has prioritized strengthening police-community relations, the health and wellness of employees and the recruitment and retention of personnel.  In addition, Chief Hawkins oversaw a department re-organization, the acquisition of a new Training Center and the implementation of strategies that resulted in reductions in both violent and property crimes.

Career

Chief Hawkins began his career with the Southfield, Michigan Police Department in 1990, starting as a Police Cadet and appointed as a sworn Police Officer in 1991. Chief Hawkins rose through the ranks of the department and was formally appointed as police chief in October of 2012.