Ole Miss has selected a new chief of police for the University Police Department following the previous chief’s resignation earlier this year.
Ray Hawkins, a 22 year veteran of UPD, started his new position as chief of police Sunday. He previously held the associate director position.
“Ole Miss PD is pleased to announce Ray Hawkins as our new Chief of Police,” UPD said in a post on the Ole Miss Police Facebook page. “Chief Hawkins looks forward to the challenges of leading our department. He also looks forward to continuing to serve the University community and making Ole Miss a safe campus!”
Hawkins joined UPD as a patrolman in December 1996. During his tenure, he served as a field training officer, police lieutenant, acting captain of investigation and detective lieutenant, among various other positions.
Hawkins is also an Ole Miss graduate. He received his bachelor’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in criminal justice in 2001.
The university announced via UM Today on Friday that Hawkins was selected after a hiring process lasting just over two months.
The Division of Student Affairs held open forum interviews on campus near the beginning of March for the final four candidates to allow public feedback in their search process. Ultimately, the only internal hire option of the group was selected.
Former UPD chief, Tim Potts, resigned in January after 2 ½ years of service to move back to his home state of Indiana and be closer to his family.
