Hawkes is a native of Hull, Quebec, and he joined the OPP in 1984.
He attended the University of Ottawa (graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree) and later the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management (Police Leadership Program).
[3] Hawkes is also a graduate of the international Leadership in Counter Terrorism program.
[4] Hawkes assumed command of the OPP on March 29, 2014, taking over from Christopher D.
[5][6] In September 2018, Hawkes announced that November 2, 2018, would be his last day as Commissioner, since he would be retiring.