The City of Indianola has named Captain Rob Hawkins as its new police chief. Hawkins has served as interim chief since September 2025, following the retirement of former chief Brian Sher. He will be sworn in at the Indianola City Council meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025. The city selected Hawkins after a process that included 20 applicants and interviews with three finalists earlier this month.
Hawkins began his law enforcement career in 1997 with the Pella Police Department. He joined the Indianola Police Department in 2000. Over 25 years, he has worked as a police officer, detective, sergeant, patrol lieutenant, captain, and interim chief. He has led projects such as the introduction of body-worn cameras, a drone program, and the school resource officer program.
Hawkins holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from American Military University and a master’s degree in criminal justice with a focus on public administration from Liberty University. He is a retired member of the Iowa Army National Guard, where he served for 22 years and completed five overseas deployments. He has also worked as a substitute teacher in the Indianola Community School District for 13 years…