She was one of three candidates for the job. But its more than just the de-escalation of force. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams has announced that she intends to retire "this summer." Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams announced on Tuesday that she was retiring. "She is from the community, she cares about her community, I don't know anybody that cares more about the people she served than she did. An independent report ordered by Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher also found that the Phoenix Police Department had "no credible evidence" to charge protesters at a Black Lives Matter rally in October of 2020 as members of a criminal street gang, and police commanders were aware there was a lack of merit to the charges. Chief Williams will lead the department while city leaders choose the right person to temporarily take over. Williams says the. We are a family of servants; my son is a firefighter, my husband is a judgeformer councilperson. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams issued an apology on Sunday following accusations of misconduct during a shoplifting incident that went viral. KTARs Corbin Carson contributed to this report. Join the New Times community and help support Because they're people.. Williams, chief of the department since October 2016, said that she will be leaving the department this summer to prioritize family and explore future endeavors. "Todays announcement by Chief Jeri Williams marks a shift for our city. I also think his chain of command should face a review as well. Almost all of the pieces are in place. City leadership is at a critical juncture to make the changes necessary to shift us in the right direction where we can redefine and create better public safety for all. Williams also delved into the future and what she hopes will happen within the department in years to come. But Ames, police allege, was driving with a suspended license and that led to his car being impounded. And just last year, Chief Williams was appointed to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training Board. She oversees the largest police department in Arizona, manages 2,900 sworn officers and around 900 civilian staffers and is in charge of a $600 million-plus budget. "It's wearing me out!" Contact. He actively seeks out officers who are working the game to thank them. The staff and care team provide world-class care. In a statement, police claimed that the couple had stolen underwear from the dollar store and said that they quickly drove away and were pursued. After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change," Williams said in a tweet. PHOENIX - Arizona native Jeri Williams will become the first woman and second African American to lead the Phoenix Police Department when she becomes chief in October. Williams, a Phoenix native, started her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. Williams has been a police officer for 33 years and was the first female Phoenix police chief. But frankly Im all about all lives matter. The men and women on the frontlines deserve more support and resources, in an effort to make our City safer for our cops and residents.". After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change," said Williams. Williams served nearly six years as Oxnard, California Police Chief, joining that department in 2010, where she strengthened police-community relationships and oversaw the implementation of police body-worn cameras, her Phoenix police bio reads. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. This is a developing story. You can get paid $1,500 to go on 15 first dates, 300 campers stranded at Catalina State Park in Tucson due to flooding, Girl, 13, leads Nebraska troopers on chase topping 100 mph, Texas stray dog 'miraculously' recovering after being shot eight times in nose, leg, neck, Flashes of light may help scientists predict when solar flares may explode from the sun, Athena Brownfield: Man arrested in Phoenix beat missing Oklahoma girl to death, court documents say, Super Bowl LVII: Federal officials measuring radiation in the Phoenix area; here's what you should know, Parents wage protest against Gov. What it is building relationships and connections with the community. group published thousands of social media posts by officers in Phoenix and around the country showing racist comments and imagery. PO Box 24070 Phoenix, AZ 85074-4070. The couple had two college-aged sons, Alan and Cody. PHOENIX (KSAZ) - They're a power family for sure. Raiford said. Williams worked through the ranks eventually becoming an Assistant Chief before moving to Oxnard California in 2011 to serve as the Police Chief. Man killed in crash at Pima, Craycroft in Tucson, Prolonged rainfall leads to water rescues, road closures, Gas leak causes evacuation at Tucson home, Human smuggling suspect recaptured after escaping Border Patrol, Tucson food truck community Comida Park announces opening date at Tanque Verde Swap Meet, Court asked to void verdict against ex-officer in George Floyds murder, statement posted on the City of Phoenix website. Two of Williams cops said, on video, that theyd shoot Dravon Ames, 22, his pregnant fiance Iesha Harper, 24, and their daughters, Island, 4 and 1-year-old London after stopping the family following the Family Dollar visit. by POL Staff
Phoenix needs more police officers. The National Anthem has become so center, especially this year. Phoenix's independent source of Want to learn more about our upcoming events? Chief Williams did an incredible job for the citizens of Phoenix. Williams says she will retire this summer no official date has been given. Then, in 2016, she came home to Phoenix, immediately weighing in on the balance of racial issues related to policing. I think people forget that. The couple told police about the doll, police admit in the statement. She has led a life of public service and represented South Phoenix with dignity during her tenure. independent local journalism in Phoenix. "I didn't know what to expect To see people stand up for a standing ovation at an NBA game for a police officer. She was very dedicated to helping out her community, neighborhoods, her officers," said Williams' former colleague, Assistant Police Chief Andy Anderson. We need to see cultural change in Phoenix PD. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- A week after announcing her retirement, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams sat down with Arizona's Family to discuss her decision on Tuesday. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams has been suspended for one day and others in her executive staff have been demoted after outside investigations into bogus gang charges for protesters, and a department "challenge coin." Phoenix appointed Jeri L. Williams as its police chief in 2016. Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. I will represent you. She moved to Oxnard, California to head up the department there in 2011, and then returned to Phoenix to take over the police department in 2016. Have a story idea or tip? Williams has been in law enforcement for 33 years and began her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. Williams publicly claimed the gang charges were a "bad idea" and that there was a failure by her chain of command to . PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- A week after announcing her retirement, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams sat down with Arizonas Family to discuss her decision on Tuesday. But police also claim the man, presumably Ames, threw a pair of stolen underwear out of the car window. Because if the community trusts you to be just and fair, you will be less likely to more force than you would have.. pic.twitter.com/iYWtmD9PDo, Williams did not set a specific date for her last day, saying only that it will be sometime this summer. She also did not elaborate on her plans for the future. Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams says her retirement decision was to put family first. "It's never been more important for policing to be transparent in what they do, they're certainly under the microscope right now, wearing cameras, being scrutinized very closely about what they do, so the leaders of those organizations need to be out front," Anderson added. City of Phoenix On Tuesday morning, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams and the city of Phoenix. ", Jeri added, "I feel it would be disrespectful to not stand and honor the flag of our nation. AND, if laws have been found to have been broken, he should be harshly punished to set an example. The Chiefs impending retirement this summer represents an opportunity for improvement for the Phoenix PD. It is unacceptable not to hire officers when the City is flush with revenue and while we continue to lose experienced cops to neighboring cities offering bonuses and better pay. She was promoted to assistant chief before moving to California to become police chief with the Oxnard Police Department. Alfonso Limon, Jr. was murdered by police in 2012; the City of Oxnard settled for nearly $7 million. How convenient that the Phoenix PD releases a video that puts the families character in doubt. "Your average major, city chief lasts about four years nationwide," said Andy Anderson, former Phoenix Police assistant chief. We wish her the best in her retirement and look forward to working with city leadership during this transition., Andy Anderson, retired Phoenix Assistant Police Chief, said, I worked many years with Chief Williams, and I can absolutely say shes one of the most committed and dedicated people Ive ever worked withChief Williams is the perfect example of who should become a police officer because she did it to serve her community.. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams has announced that she intends to retire "this summer." A specific date was not given. Under her leadership, the Phoenix Police Department is advancing progressive strategies essential in contemporary law enforcement. PHOENIX Chief Jeri Williams of the Phoenix Police Department announced her retirement on Tuesday morning. RELATED: Here's a timeline of Phoenix police cases that may be investigated by the Department of Justice.
She started her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989 working the same streets she grew up on in Maryvale. Williams came up through the Phoenix Police Department and, at one point,was in charge of the departments southern division and oversaw about 1,000 sworn and civilian personnel. Its not just about that specific individual Jeri Williams, its about everyone directly underneath the Chief and who has been in the way of providing accountability and transparency to the community and very sensitive subject matters. When you think about law enforcement and how far weve come from the 33 years ago when I was brand new in Maryvale precinct, there were no cellphones, there were no social media, she explained. The cops are still on the job. Then the full report came out, written by the officer who is heard on video threatening to shoot the family, Christopher Meyer. Jeri Williams, the first woman to become Chief of Police for the city of Phoenix; Cody Williams, her husband, a former councilman and now a Justice of the Peace in Phoenix; and their son Alan, a newly signed center for the Phoenix Suns. Hobb's proposed rolling back of school vouchers in Arizona, Netflix is hiring a flight attendant for one of its private jetsand the job pays up to $385,000, Thinx period underwear lawsuit over PFAS settles for $4 million, Helicopter crashes near Kyiv, multiple deaths reported, 300 campers stranded at Catalina State Park in Tucson due to flooding: report, Suspect shot during attempted robbery at Avondale gas station, 2 arrested months after deadly El Mirage shooting. The police escalated this situation and made it dangerous for the family and themselves for NO Reason. At a minimum, he should be fired, stripped of his POST certification and banned, not just from any/all law enforcement work, but any/all public employment. If you think something this benign is worth threatening to kill a mother and her kids over then you are the problem as well., A news report on a project started by a Philadelphia attorney found hundreds of police-posted racist or misogynistic statements or condoned violence on their Facebook accounts. There were racist posts from 75 current Phoenix police officers and 22 retired officers., As was reported by Meg OConnor of the New Phoenix Times, Phoenix police officer Joshua Ankert posted to Facebook: CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE ZIMMERMAN!!! She returned to Phoenix PD in 2016 as chief. After all, shes going to be running the largest police department in the area and many of decisions will affect you or someone you know. Still, the chief is "busier than she ever has been" preparing for the transition, a spokesperson says. Williams has been in law enforcement for more than three decades, starting her career as a patrol officer in Phoenix in 1989. "prioritize family and explore future opportunities", charged with criminal gang activity in 2020. Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here. "This is a critical time for the Phoenix Police Department. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. You have things posted on social media that may or may not be accurate, that wears on you and drains on you. local news and culture, Katya Schwenk A specific date was not given. Here's a timeline of Phoenix police cases that may be investigated by the Department of Justice, 'No credible evidence': Phoenix police ignored problems with charging BLM protesters as gang members, report says, La jefa de polica de Phoenix, Jeri Williams, anuncia su retiro. Its time to put family first for the moment, said Williams. ", "On behalf of the men and women of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, we thank Chief Jeri Williams for her commitment and service to the Phoenix Police Department. So I am obviously an advocate of Black Lives Matter from that respect, because thats the community coalescing and involving. I look forward to working alongside the community to make this possible. @PhoenixPolice. Former Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams (Oxnard Police Department Facebook). There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. But while Williams was chief in Oxnard, Robert Ramirez who was choked to death by police in 2012; the case was settled for $3 million. I will be your representative. Her passion for this community, her leadership through challenging times and her commitment to reforming and evolving the Phoenix Police Department will be missed as she makes this decision to retire.". MORE: Phoenix police chief, officers disciplined after investigation into gang charges, challenge coins, Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton said of her announcement, "This is a personal decision. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. At a time when police officers citywide are facing a surge in violent incidents and the department is transferring dozens of experienced detectives back to patrol - decimating entire investigative units - our city needs a Chief focused not merely on answering emergency calls, but on responding effectively to cut crime. I do not care at all of they were shoplifting. The Arizona Court of Appeals rejected the state Republican Partys argument that mail-in voting violates the state Constitution. indeed seen on video, terrorizing a Black couple and their very young children over an alleged shoplifting incident. People of faith, people who work so hard throughout their whole life to provide for my brother and me. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego expressed her support for Williams' decision and said her top priority is making sure the Phoenix police have continued leadership. View Events Calendar. The officer responsible for this outrage should be given due process. The Black Lives Matter movement was spawned by a rash of men of color, and sometimes women of color, being killed by the hands of law enforcement. Would love your thoughts, please comment. By clicking Accept all you agree that Yahoo and our partners will process your personal information, and use technologies such as cookies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights, and product development. "After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have . Contrast this with the incident the other day when Deputy US Marshals shot & killed an armed, violent, individual they were trying to arrest in Tennesseeresulting in a low end riot requiring substantial local LE backup/assistance. Chief Jeri Williams says the decision was motivated by her family, and shes focused on putting family first in this new chapter of life. After working her way up to an assistant police chief in Arizona, Chief Williams moved to Oxnard, CA, in 2011 to become chief of their department. Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? Example video title will go here for this video. Its a heavy crown to wear. Jacob Raiford, with the social advocacy group We Rising, said that he felt that Chief Williams lacked transparency and is hoping that the new chief will do better. Phoenix on Tuesday morning, Phoenix Police chief was one of three candidates the! 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