Police Chief Eric Hawkins speaks on June 24 in Albany. Hawkins says he believes he is making progress in the fight against gun violence.

Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins talks to the media about a murder in the parking lot of the Stewart’s Shop at 470 Delaware Ave. on July 9 in Albany.

Last week, I wrote that Albany needs a new police chief. I took no pleasure from that.

Chief Eric Hawkins has led with integrity since arriving from Michigan six years ago. There's universal agreement about his decency, which is rare among public figures and probably helps to explain his longevity here. He seems to have no enemies.

But as I said in that prior column, Albany has been living through an extended spike in violent crime and, judging by annual homicide rates, doesn't seem to be making progress. Something needs to change, and the chief's job is one of the few places where immediate change is possible.

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Hawkins called the next day and lived up to his reputation for decency. Expressing no anger, he said he understood my point of view. He didn't expect to change my mind but wanted to present a case for the work he has done at the helm of Albany's police department.

"There's fear and the perception of a lack of safety in the city," the chief told me. "I........

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