The City of Wilson has hired a new police chief. Thomas Hopkins, a 15-year department veteran of the Wilson Police Department was introduced Thursday night to the Wilson City Council. Hopkins replaces Harry Tyson, who become Deputy City Manager last month.

Hopkins worked his way up to chief from his start as a patrol officer in Wilson in 1995. He calls himself a strong advocate of community policing. "Community policing can be professionally stimulating by providing the officers with challenges, opportunities for innovation, and rewards for creative solutions," Hopkins said in a press release on the City of Wilson's website.

Hopkins was chosen from a field of five internal applicants, the press release says. Former chief Tyson assisted in the decision-making process.

Hopkins serves on the department's Special Response Team and Honor Guard. Hopkins holds bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Justice Studies from NC Wesleyan College and a master’s degree in Criminology with a concentration in Law from Indiana State University. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Learning and Adult Education from Walden University.