Ex-Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox named interim chief
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The changing of the guard, back to the old guard. In a news conference on Monday, outgoing Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan announced that Brendan Cox would return to serve as interim chief. Cox had stepped down as Chief in January 2017.
In September, Hawkins announced he was leaving the Albany Police Department after more than six years to become the Police Commissioner for the Warren Police Department in Michigan. He is the longest serving Albany Police Chief in more than 40 years, starting with the department in September 2018.
Cox was with the Albany Police Department for 22 years. He was appointed Chief in July 2015 before resigning less than two years later. At that time, he took a new job at the LEAD National Support Bureau.
Pastor Charlie Muller, an anti-violence advocate, supports Cox but wants him to differ from Hawkins: “I want to see the hot spots policed” said the pastor. Muller however recognizes the legal challenges that may complicate effecting change. “We have some real challenges in New York with the bail reform and with the racy age there's certain things that are causing more crimes on our streets and I really think that some of these policies have to be looked at" Muller added.
"Brendan Cox was an integral part of the department’s leadership team during a period of rapid change in policing in this country. He comes with the credentials and experience to continue the great work of the Albany Police Department, and is highly respected in the community,” said Mayor Sheehan. “He is committed to building upon successful models that address the root causes of crime and build stronger communities. I have the utmost confidence in his leadership and am grateful for his willingness to return to service as our Interim Chief of Police."
As for why Cox doesn’t want to stay long term: “I'd like to stay married so no!” he joked.
Hawkins is set to step down on December 1, with Cox starting December 2.
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