In researching the job, Hawkins said she found that few university police departments have diversity, equity and inclusion managers. “A lot of them will rely on consulting firms or the diversity and inclusion program for the overall university,” she said. “Those programs are geared specifically toward students and faculty and not really geared toward the police departments.”
In her role, Hawkins will lead the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in support of the police department’s overall efforts to serve the University and community.
She will provide overall direction and guidance, planning, policy input, strategic communication, and technical and internal support to the department.
As a member of the police department’s leadership team, Hawkins will also serve on UVA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and be a liaison with the community.
“If we look around the country, people are not happy with law enforcement. People are not happy with the things that they see on social media,” Hawkins said. Part of her mandate is to nurture community relationships and communication, both within UVA and beyond. “I will be diving into this community to learn its understanding of the role of our officers,” she said.
Hawkins has been on the job since December. “I know there will be times when we may fall short. But one of the things that I want to make sure that people know is that we are doing what we can, and sometimes being progressive can be hard.
“What I want to make sure is that as we are moving to include diversity, to include inclusion and equity, that people know that we are doing everything we can in real time,” Hawkins said.
Five University of Virginia Police Department Officers Promoted
In related news, UVA’s police department recently promoted five department members.
The department held a virtual promotion ceremony on Feb.15.
Officer Timothy Northern was promoted to lieutenant. Officers Edward Thompson, Audrell Ragland, Thomas Williams and Jamal Hurd were all promoted to sergeant.
“Lieutenant Northern, and Sergeants Ragland, Williams, Hurd and Thompson: It is truly an honor to say congratulations on your well-deserved promotions,” said UVA President Jim Ryan, who joined the ceremony via Zoom. “Your outstanding service to the University and to the Commonwealth of Virginia, not only in times of emergency, but also day-in and day-out, is something to celebrate.
“We can all rest easier knowing that the UVA Police Department is in good hands, thanks to your service and leadership, and that the inclusion of diverse perspectives among the leaders will strengthen the department’s commitment to fair, just and equitable policing.”
