Chief Gina Hawkins reflects on her time with Fayetteville Police as her retirement approaches

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (WTVD) – In less than two weeks, the Fayetteville Police Department will see a big transition: Chief Gina Hawkins set for retirement.

Hawkins told ABC11 on Wednesday that she is proud of how Fayetteville has changed during her tenure. She said she is especially proud of how the department has embraced more community-oriented policing.

“It’s been an amazing ride for five and a half years here,” Hawkins said.

As she leaves office, the department’s latest figures show that crimes against people and property have fallen by about 27% from 2016 to 2021. But violent crime – specifically murder – rose by 9%.

WATCH: The full interview with Chief Hawkins

As she prepares to hand over leadership, Hawkins urged everyone to look at the bigger picture.

“We’ve been dropping numbers dramatically year after year, and we all know we’re never going to be zero,” she said. “So at some point we expect our crime numbers to go up because we’re comparing ourselves to the previous year. So it’s a challenge to continue to come down.”

Hawkins said the department is constantly evaluating crime in the city and looking for comprehensive solutions and resources that include working with residents. Asked about police brutality, Hawkins said she sees the topic as another indicator of how the department has evolved.

“We brought these topics up for discussion, and it’s unusual for law enforcement to bring these topics to the table — like intervention and prevention and talking about why we don’t have a lot of mental health resources in the community,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins advised the police chief arrivedBy Kem Braden, lead from the heart.

“If you love your department and your community, you’re going to be fine,” Hawkins said, citing advice she was given when she became police chief.

Hawkins’ last day is Jan. 31.