Largo, Maryland (Friday, June 19, 2020) – Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has named the interim replacement for Chief Hank Stawinski who abruptly stepped down yesterday.  Hector Velez was named to the post today.  Velez is a 26-year veteran of the force and was serving as Assistant Police Chief under Stawinski.

Velez says he’s all for police reform.  “I am ready to listen and I’m motivated to lead the department,” said Velez who was born in Brooklyn, New York.

Stawinski resigned yesterday effectively immediately.  It came on the same day a report from the ACLU was released alleging a pattern of racism and retaliation within the department under Stawinski.  A group of Black and Hispanic officers have brought a lawsuit against the department.  Asked today if her decision to name Velez as interim police chief had anything to do with the report, Alsobrooks said her decision was based on lots of thought and discussions and had nothing to do with the report.

Alsobrooks also thanked Stawinski for his service and applauded him for his successes.