John "Hawk" Hawkins is a detective in the New York City Police Department. In 1983 he acquired a measure of fame for collaring Roger Berry, who was believed to be the Soho Strangler. When the real Strangler resurfaced 18 years later, Hawk teamed up with Det. Elliot Stabler to track him down. Stabler considers Hawkins to be a cowboy cop. He often considers him a grand-stander, and has nicknamed him "Wyatt Earp." Other police officers know him for being an alcoholic. (SVU: "Redemption")