University Police Chief Ray Hawkins (center) talks with Sgt. Jesse Richards (left) and campus EMA Director Amanda Drew at the station. Photo by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Communications
OXFORD, Miss. – Though Ray Hawkins has officially been chief of the University of Mississippi Police Department less than a week, he’s been preparing for the position for a lifetime.
Hawkins was named the new chief March 30 by Brandi Hephner LaBanc, UM vice chancellor for student affairs. He replaces former Chief Tim Potts, who resigned earlier this year to return to his native Indiana and be near family.
“I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to lead the University Police Department,” said Hawkins, who earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in criminal justice from UM in 2001. “To have started out here over 20 years ago as a patrolman and progress through various areas of responsibility to now have the privilege of directing the department as the chief is a dream come true.”
The Division of Student Affairs held open forum interviews on campus in early March for the final four candidates to allow public feedback in their search process.
“We conducted a national search that drew a strong applicant pool, and Ray Hawkins came out on top – he earned this position,” Hephner LaBanc said. “Chief Hawkins’ knowledge and experience in campus-based law enforcement is undeniable.
“But his longstanding service at the University of Mississippi complements that experience with unique institutional knowledge. I am confident he will rise to the occasion. He has prepared for this role.”
Hawkins joined UPD as a patrolman 22 years ago. His faithful service and proven leadership ability led to several promotions, including field training officer, police lieutenant, acting captain of investigation and detective lieutenant. He was named associate director after Potts’ departure.
Hawkins’ ambitious leadership style includes both short- and long-term goals for the police department. Among the former are to review and realign responsibilities within the department, to review operational processes and make changes where needed and to address staff shortages on patrol.
“I also plan to work on recruitment and retention, address officer/staff compensation, create staff recognition initiatives and to create an active social media communications campaign using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,” he said. “I want UPD to provide computers for patrol vehicles, create electronic version of paper forms and work with ASB to develop a student-led campus safety committee.”
Hephner LaBanc is working closely with Hawkins to implement some organizational efficiencies and enhance staff and community-based training efforts.
“Some of the specific expectations we have discussed include implementation of an internal Insight and Vision Board to enhance staff feedback and engagement, a strategic plan that outlines departmental and campus safety priorities, a leadership development plan for officers and a UPD campus visibility plan,” she said.
Long-range goals Hawkins has for his area include working with the emergency management coordinator to develop a comprehensive University Emergency Response Plan, developing mock and tabletop exercises for campus emergencies and completing the national accreditation process through either the Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies or the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
“I want to address security needs for the university as it continues to expand,” he said. “I also want be prepared to respond to emergency situations and to have an online community complaint process.”
Hawkins credits many people for helping him reach this level of success in his career, including family, co-workers, faculty, staff and supervisors – both past and present.
“Then there are the students who allowed me to be part of their lives, and they a part of mine,” Hawkins said. “Some of my fondest memories at UPD was working in the residential halls at night, as part of our Housing Unit. I still have a relationship with some of those students 15 years later.
“I want to thank my UPD family for their support and encouragement. I look forward to working with them as we continue to provide the best safety services for our students, faculty and staff.”