Meet the Chief

Chief Adam Hawley began his law enforcement career with the Brea Police Department in 1995. Before being sworn in as a Police Officer, he served as a Brea Police Cadet while attending college. During his career, Chief Hawley worked numerous assignments including Patrol, Mall Liaison Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, FBI Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) Team Task Force Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Professional Standards Lieutenant, and Captain. Chief Hawley served as Acting Chief of Police before being appointed the 14^th Chief of the Brea Police Department on May 1, 2021.

Chief Hawley holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University Long Beach, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University Fullerton, certificates in Leadership and Human Resources from California State University Fullerton, a certificate in Law Enforcement Command from the University of San Diego, and a certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) Class # 354, California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Command College Class # 66, and the FBI National Academy Session 282. Chief Hawley is also a published author of a professional article, Asleep on the Job; Not on my (Smart) Watch!, published in the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Police Chief Magazine (October 2020).

 Chief Hawley is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the FBI National Academy Associates, the California Police Chiefs’ Association (CPCA), where he serves on the CPCA Organizational Wellness and Resiliency and the CPCA Technology committees, is the Chair of the North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative, and is a member of the Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriff Association (OCCPSA). As a member of OCCPSA, Chief Hawley serves on several Orange County Boards, including the 800 MHz Governing Board, the CAL-ID RAN Board, the Integrated Law and Justice Agency for Orange County (ILJAOC), and the ILJAOC Budget and Technology subcommittees.

 Off duty, Chief Hawley is an avid half marathon runner and mountain biker. He is a technology enthusiast who enjoys building his computers. He has a strong passion for the performing arts, especially movies and live theater. He is also a huge baseball fan and is actively involved in his local church. He enjoys sharing these activities with his wife of 20-plus years and three teenage children.