Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins says he tried to prepare himself before he took his oath one year ago. Despite working in law enforcement for decades, this is his first job outside of his native state of Michigan.

"You really don’t get a true sense of what’s happening until you really get here," said Hawkins.

FULL COVERAGE

• Part I of our interview with Chief Hawkins
• Part II of our interview with Chief Hawkins

But he knew about the recent problems. Last July was riddled with violence, including eight shootings. Two of those shootings were fatal. There were also two fatal stabbings.

Then just weeks into his tenure as the 10th Albany police chief in 30 years, there were two more homicides. 

Hawkins says instead of finding his footing in the department, his attention was elsewhere.

"We have to deal with those incidents. You have to deal with the immediate aftermath and then we also have to figure out what led to those," said Hawkins. "Sort of in a way, it kind of put me back a little from the other things I need to do like figuring out exactly where the talent is in the organization. What some of the strengths and weaknesses are."

One of the biggest challenges for Hawkins came in March. An incident on First Street led to the arrest of three Albany men, but looking at the body camera footage released weeks later, many say they saw what looked like police brutality.

That body camera footage also shows Albany police officer Luke Deer push a man to the ground, before repeatedly hitting him. Deer was charged with assault and put on suspension with two other officers. Hawkins started an internal investigation.

"I had to get my officers and other personnel within the police department to understand why I adopted the position that I did. It was about holding people accountable for things that happened and making sure we have a system in place where others know what the expectations are," says Hawkins.

Charges were dropped against the three residents involved. The case against Deer remains open. But not everyone is satisfied, and in the immediate aftermath, Albany community groups began meeting and the questions were directed at Hawkins.

"I learned during that period of time that words matter. What I say and the way that I say things has an impact on how people perceive an incident," says Hawkins.

Hawkins says it was important for him to hear and feel the community's outrage. That’s a lesson that’s followed him.

By July, another violent summer was underway. Then a three-year-old, sleeping inside his daycare, was struck by a stray bullet.

Eight people were arrested on weapons charges: the oldest 21 years old; the youngest 15.

At the time, Hawkins called their actions "unconscionable," and was open about his feelings.

"I think it was important that I as the police chief, and there were other community leaders also, as well as folks in the community, expressed anger, expressed outrage," says Hawkins.

But less than two weeks later, violence continued. A 16-year-old was shot and a 15-year-old was charged with attempted murder. Even with programs and nonprofits trying to help, not all young people are listening.

"We’re still missing those few. So the critical question is how do we touch those few who are susceptible to getting involved in violent crime? And it’s going to take some work," says Hawkins.

Throughout it all, the community has organized, planning meetings, and scheduling more. Hawkins has been to many of those gatherings, continuing to listen and ask for suggestions.

Looking forward for the department, Hawkins says they need to fill empty positions, focus on recruiting, and the health and well-being of the officers responding to each of these calls.

"We have a therapy dog program now. We’re going to do some things that allows officers to potentially work out while they’reduring downtime at work, adjustable height work stations. All of these things that help ease the stress of the work place. That’s number one where we’re going," says Hawkins.

But first they need to get at full strength. Hawkins says despite the violence and problems, Albany has a lot to offer and the department is a fit for job seekers. 

Hawkins says hundreds of people have applied to work at the Albany police department. Once candidates pass background checks, they’ll be able to hire. The chief maintains he’s excited about the future.