March 20, 2002

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today announced his choice for Nassau County Police Commissioner. James H. Lawrence, currently the Chief of Personnel for the New York City Police Department, will join the Nassau County PD when Commissioner Willet leaves on June 30th.

Nassau County Executive announces Chief James Lawrence as the new Police Commissioner to take over when Commissioner Willett leaves the post.

Chief Lawrence, a Vietnam veteran, joined the New York City Police Department in 1970 as a Planning Officer in the 40th Precinct in the Bronx. In the early nineties, he served as the Commanding Officer at the 113th Precinct in Jamaica, where he was responsible for the direction and coordination of all police services within the precinct's geographic area.

In 1998, Lawrence was promoted to Executive Officer at the Chief of Department. He assisted the Chief of Department in the direction, coordination, and control of activities different bureaus, including the Detective Bureau, Organized Crime Control Bureau, Transportation Bureau, and Housing Bureau.

In his current position as Chief of Personnel, Lawrence is responsible for the management for the human resource functions for the police department which consists of over 55,000 employees. He directs the recruiting, screening, and hiring procedures for all employees, and oversees the administration of the Performance Evaluation System, and has proposed and implemented improvements in personnel systems based on research, analysis, and surveys.

Chief Lawrence received his B.A. in Economics from Fordham University, and is a graduate of the Columbia University Police Management Institute.