New leader sworn in at Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – With a new year comes a new sheriff in Lowndes County.

Eddie Hawkins’ career in law enforcement started with the Columbus police department back in the 1990s.

Now, he will lead the sheriff’s department.

After taking the oath of office Monday, he discussed his goals and plans for the agency.

“One of the first things I want to do is come in and look at our standing operating procedures and sit down and go over and make sure we are complying with all state and federal laws and using the best practices that we can for the citizen’s of Lowndes county and the department,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins wants to add new equipment to the patrol cars.

“One of my biggest goals is to work with the dept and try to implement computers in the vehicles to advance the dept forward,” said Hawkins.

The long-time lawman believes the computers will allow deputies to spend more time patrolling in the streets.

“Putting computers in cars is going to increase visibility with the deputies and the neighborhoods and the communities where we need to be and help provide better service to the county,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins worked for the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics for 20 years. He believes that experience will help the department in the future.

“I bring a lot of knowledge in the investigation world to the department that a lot of contacts and resources like that that I want to use and implement throughout the department,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins was sworn-in as interim sheriff Monday.

His elected term begins on January 6, when he will be sworn-in officially as the sheriff for the next four years.