Following a distinguished 22-year career in the New York City Police Department, Eric L. Adams "traded in his blue uniform for a blue suit" on November 7, 2006 when he was elected to the New York State Senate by the residents of the 20th Senatorial District. Senator Adams represents one of the most vibrant and wonderfully diverse districts in all of New York, covering the neighborhoods of Flatbush, Crown Heights, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace and Prospect Heights.

        As a Captain in the NYPD, Eric Adams became well-known to New Yorkers as thoughtful, tireless advocate for the communities and people he served, and he earned widespread praise for creating innovative programs on issues ranging from conflict resolution to child abuse prevention.

        His more than two decades of experience and expertise in law enforcement and criminal justice issues led to his appointment as Ranking Minority Member on the Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, as well as Ranking Minority Member on the Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs Committee. Senator Adams also serves on the Aging, Codes and Civil Service Committees in the New York State Senate.

Community-Based Programs that Have Made a Difference

       Eric Adams is perhaps best-known for his efforts to create a more symbiotic relationship between law enforcement and New York’s diverse neighborhoods. His highly-regarded instructional workshops, "What To Do When Stopped By The Police," have helped thousands of young people throughout New York learn to better interact with the police by using proven conflict resolution skills. These forums have since been replicated throughout the country and have provided a generation of youngsters with a better understanding of how to resolve difficult conflicts – not only with the police, but also with teachers, peers and others. He also created a series a free public safety seminars for New York City parents, which addressed issues including gang awareness, child abuse prevention and how to protect your children from abduction.  

An Advocate and a Partner

        Throughout his years in public service, Eric Adams has joined forces with hundreds of community groups and civic organizations to assist them on issues such as public schools, urban economic development, fair and affordable housing, civil rights and political accountability. Always an outspoken advocate for the causes of justice, he has testified before the U.S. Federal Human Rights Commission, at numerous New York City Council hearings, and in United States Federal Court. He has contributed both his passion and his unique community-based, criminal justice perspective to numerous issues. Whether it was speaking out about the Louima and Diallo tragedies or fighting for after-school programs for at-risk teens, Eric Adams has spent his career advocating on behalf of hardworking, everyday New Yorkers.

Two Decades of Public Service

          During his 20-year career, Eric Adams co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, a group of law enforcement personnel and supporters who provide funding and grants to community-based organizations making a difference in their neighborhoods. He also is a former Chairperson of the Grand Council for the Guardians, and serves on the board of the Eastern District Counseling Service, and organization that assists substance abusers to live productive lives without dependency on drugs and alcohol.

          Eric Adams received his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Marist College, and is a graduate of New York City Technical College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He is a proud product of New York City public schools and lives in Prospect Heights

Standing Committee Assignments 2008: Crime Victims, Crime and Correction (Ranking Minority); Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs (Ranking Minority); Aging; Codes; Civil Service and Pensions.

VOTE IN 2006 GENERAL ELECTION

Eric Adams,
Dem.           32,044
Wor.              6,669
                    38,713

James M. Gay,
Con.                  974