After a rigorous search and an interview process involving community and law enforcement stakeholders, County Executive Steuart Pittman announced today that he has chosen Hyattsville Police Chief Amal Awad as his selection for Anne Arundel County Chief of Police.
Amal Awad began her career in policing thirty years ago as a patrol officer in Prince George’s County. Today she serves as Chief of Police for the City of Hyattsville. She served as Chief of Staff on the Anne Arundel County Police Department from 2013 – 2014, serving alongside now-Acting Chief William Lowry under Chief Kevin Davis.
“Chief Awad’s experience in both large and small department policing, including right here in Anne Arundel County, makes her ideally suited to lead our department,” said County Executive Pittman. “But for me that wasn’t enough. I had to be sure that our next chief had that rare combination of professional skill and heart. Heart for the people in our communities, heart for the officers that protect them, and even heart for the young people who are trying to find their way in these difficult times but sometimes make mistakes.”
“I found all of that in Amal Awad,” Pittman continued. “I am eager to introduce her, to the County Council, the residents of this county, and to the officers she will lead and support. This is a person who can unite us. She is a peacemaker and a consummate professional.”
In her 23-years on the Prince George’s County department Awad gained experience in every aspect of policing, serving as a District Commander, Shift Commander, Special Assignment Team Supervisor, Robbery Suppression Team Supervisor, and Executive Officer at headquarters. During that time she was awarded both her Bachelors and Masters Degree with Honors in Management from the Johns Hopkins School of Education. At her 2011 graduation she was awarded the school’s prestigious Leadership Award, conferred upon only one graduate each year. More recently, Chief Awad completed training at the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute.
As City of Hyattsville Police Chief, Awad brought her large department experience to a small department, introducing modern policing strategies and convincing the administration to increase its investment in pay for both sworn and civilian employees.
“I am honored and humbled that County Executive Pittman has asked me to serve as Anne Arundel County’s next Chief of Police,” said Chief Awad. “I have dedicated more than half of my life to this noble profession, and I thank Mr. Pittman for selecting me to lead this professional police department during this pivotal moment in modern policing. I look forward to working with the County Council and earning the trust of everyone invested in this beautiful county.”
On November 3, county voters approved a charter amendment requiring County Council confirmation for appointees to serve as police chief, fire chief, and county attorney. While the charter amendment requiring council approval does not take effect until December 3, County Executive Pittman believes that council engagement on this important decision is appropriate. Therefore, County Executive Pittman plans to introduce a resolution at tonight’s County Council meeting, asking the Council to support the appointment after taking time to meet with Chief Awad. County Executive Pittman will request a public hearing and vote on the resolution at the Council’s December 7 meeting.
Pending approval by the County Council, Chief Awad will start as Anne Arundel County Chief of Police on December 17, taking over from Acting Police Chief William Lowry.
“I and the members of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, both sworn and civilian, enthusiastically welcome Chief Amal Awad to our agency! We look forward to the Chief’s leadership, incorporating her vision and values, as we continue to serve and protect the Anne Arundel County Community. Great things to come!” said Acting Chief of Police William Lowry.
