ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY — Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announced Monday that he has chosen Hyattsville Police Chief Amal Awad to become the county's next chief of police.
Amal Awad began her career in policing 30 years ago as a patrol officer in Prince George’s County. She was Chief of Police for the City of Hyattsville before taking this position.
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.
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.
On Nov.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 Monday’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.
