Mrs Long was speaking after Mr Hamilton said he would not be seeking reappointment to the post when his term expires in June after five years in the role of Chief Constable.
“I want to thank George Hamilton for his service to keeping our community safe, both in his five years as Chief Constable but also throughout his police career,” she said.
“He assumed responsibility of leading policing through what have been some challenging times but always approached the role with dedication. I want to extend to George my thanks and that of my colleagues and send him every best wish for his retirement.”
Her colleague, Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA, said many tests still remained for whoever succeeded Mr Hamilton.
“This position has been described as one of the most difficult policing jobs in the UK and that has not changed, as we have recently seen the dissident car bomb in Derry-Londonderry remind us of the terrorist threat out there.
“I look forward to the process of helping decide upon a new Chief Constable and subsequently working with them to ensure the continued promotion of visible policing for everyone in the community.”