William P. Lawson

William P. Lawson (1879 or 1880 – July 2, 1946) was an American investment banker and politician who served as commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) from 1937 to 1938. Prior to serving as commissioner, Lawson was the chairman of the Central Committee of the Maryland Republican Party. Appointed by governor of Maryland Harry Nice to replace Charles D. Gaither, Lawson's tenure included the appointment of Violet Hill Whyte, the first African-American BPD officer, and four further African-American officers.

In June 1938, a credit report showed that Lawson held at least 1,000 shares in the Consolidated Distillers Corporation, a business dealing in whisky. While he initially refused to comment, he later claimed he was simply a stockbroker for the company and was not involved in liqour, contradicting the credit report and a company statement. Calls rose for Nice to ask Lawson to resign, citing his liqour dealings and raising crime rates, which Nice refused. On July 30, 1938, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged his brokerage firm, William P. Lawson and Co., of fraud. Although he maintained his innocence, he temporarily resigned the next day, stating that his business dealings "[have] no connection whatsoever with the affairs of the Police Department or my duties as commissioner." Lawson was found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison, which was partially pardoned by governor Herbert O'Conor. Lawson died of a heart attack in Baltimore on July 2, 1946, at the age of 66.