Albany Police Chief Hawkins departs; reforms' future uncertain | The Locally Times
Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins, the longest-serving in over 40 years, departs in December, leaving the future of policing reforms uncertain.
Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins will depart the Albany Police Department at the beginning of December 2026, according to a City of Albany News Flash published on February 11, 2026. Chief Hawkins will assume the role of Police Commissioner in the Warren Police Department in Michigan. His appointment as Albany Police Chief in September 2018 established him as the longest-serving individual in that position in over 40 years, the News Flash states. During his tenure, Chief Hawkins led the department through the implementation of policing reforms. These reforms were recommended by the City’s Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, the News Flash indicates. The department reported a decrease in shootings and a significant increase in illegal guns recovered during his leadership. He also oversaw infrastructure upgrades to police facilities, including the build-out of a new 911 dispatch center. Prior to his service in Albany, Chief Hawkins rose through the ranks of the Southfield, Michigan police department, becoming chief there in 2012. His educational background includes a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Science degree, as stated in the News Flash. ## Programs and Initiatives Chief Hawkins' leadership also saw the establishment of multiple programs aimed at enhancing community engagement and police operations. The City of Albany News Flash details initiatives such as Pastors on Patrol, Men on a Mission, and the NYS GIVE Initiative. Under his direction, the Albany Police Department created New York State’s largest Crime Analysis Center. Other programs instituted during his time as Chief include an internationally-recognized Therapy Dog Program, which the News Flash highlights. He also implemented the Community Liaison Partnership, a program designed to involve city residents in the training of police academy recruits. The department also saw the creation of a paid Police Cadet Program and a Civilian Auxiliary Program. Furthermore, Chief Hawkins integrated social workers into police operations, an initiative noted in the February 11, 2026 News Flash. The breadth of these programs demonstrates a focus on diverse approaches to public safety and community relations during his tenure. ## Unaddressed Questions on Continuity The City of Albany News Flash announcing Chief Hawkins' departure does not provide information regarding the process or timeline for appointing his successor. The document also does not detail the specific current status or progress of the policing reforms implemented under his leadership. No metrics beyond the reported decrease in shootings and increase in illegal gun recoveries are specified to evaluate the success of these broader reform efforts. The News Flash does not outline plans for ensuring the continuity and further development of the various programs and reforms after Chief Hawkins' departure in December. Information regarding the financial investment made into specific initiatives, such as the social worker integration or the paid Police Cadet Program, is not available in the provided source material. The document also does not detail how these investments will be sustained or altered by new leadership. The long-term goals of the City’s Policing Reform and Reinvention Collaborative, and how their recommendations will be advanced without Chief Hawkins, remain unstated. ## Implications for Albany's Policing Chief Hawkins' departure creates a leadership vacuum for the Albany Police Department, particularly concerning the future of the policing reforms he spearheaded. The absence of a clear succession plan or outlined strategy for reform continuity raises questions about the institutionalization of these changes. The City of Albany News Flash highlights the reforms as a significant impact of his tenure, yet it does not specify how deeply embedded these reforms are within APD policy and culture, independent of individual leadership. The transition period presents a critical juncture for the city to demonstrate its commitment to the principles behind the reforms. The lack of detailed information regarding the ongoing status and evaluation of these programs means residents lack clarity on their resilience. The upcoming appointment of a new Chief will determine the direction of public safety initiatives and whether the momentum generated under Chief Hawkins' leadership will be maintained, re-evaluated, or altered. The city has not yet provided information on how it plans to ensure transparency and accountability in this critical leadership transition.