Eric Hawkins
By: Gena Johnson | Warren Weekly | Published September 19, 2024
WARREN — Mayor Lori Stone announced the hiring of Eric Hawkins as the Warren Police Department’s new commissioner in a press release Sept. 18.
“Eric Hawkins has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to public safety, innovation, and community collaboration throughout his distinguished career,” Stone said. “We are excited to welcome him as the leader of our police department as we continue to focus on building a safer and stronger community.”
According to the mayor, Hawkins’ career accomplishments reflect community-centered policing.
“He has extensive experience managing large operational budgets and has led recruitment and professional development efforts that have enhanced police operations and strengthened community ties,” Stone said.
Hawkins led a department that served a diverse population and was comparable in size to Warren, according to Stone. He was instrumental in modernizing the department's operations, which included upgrading technology and infrastructure to better serve the community.
Hawkins started his police career locally in 1990 with the Southfield Police Department as a police cadet and in 1991 he was appointed as a sworn officer. Rising through the ranks, in 2012 he was appointed Southfield’s police chief. In 2018, he was sworn in as Albany, New York’s 25th police chief where he prioritized strengthening police-community relations, the health and wellness of employees, and the recruitment and retention of personnel. Hawkins led the implementation of several new community-oriented programs in Albany, including a paid police cadet program, an internationally-recognized police therapy dog program and the community liaison partnership, a program that allows city residents to hellp train police academy recruits. Hawkins led the acquisition of a new police training center facility, infrastructure updates to police headquarters and the communications center, and the integration of certified social workers into police operations.
His education includes a law degree from Cooley Law School, a master’s degree in administration and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University and an associate degree in business administration, management and operations from Oakland Community College. Hawkins also attended a session at the FBI’s national academy and a FBI law enforcement executive development seminar in Virginia.
After the departure of former Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer and prior to the appointment of Hawkins, Charles Rushton led the department as its acting police commissioner. Rushton served as the deputy police commissioner under Dwyer.
“I will still be the deputy commissioner of the Police Department, " Rushton said after the appointment of Hawkins. “My role for the last seven months has been acting commissioner. So not much is going to change for me. Everything pretty much stays status quo for me in my position.”
Rushton added, “Obviously, we talked before this announcement was made. He (Hawkins) seems really excited to get here. We’ve had some really good discussions about things to improve the Police Department and I think we can make a really good team.”
Hawkins grew up in Michigan, has family here, and visited frequently during his stint in New York, according to Stone. He is looking forward to returning to Michigan.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the Police Commissioner for the City of Warren,” Hawkins said in a written statement. “I look forward to collaborating with the community and building on the strong foundation of safety and trust that exists within the city.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.