Williams has been in law enforcement for 33 years and began her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. . While in Oxnard, Chief Williams oversaw the successful implementation of body worn cameras and has long been a supporter of technology and outfitting our officers with every tool they need to be successful. Even at a time when use of force by police is questioned by many across the country, it's a conversation Jeri welcomes. Just like when I felt called to do this job, I also feel called right now to go in a new direction, allowing me the rare opportunity to prioritize family and explore future endeavors.". After ASU, Williams attended Northern Arizona University. She will be retiring sometime this summer but did not announce a specific date. Former Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams (Oxnard Police Department Facebook). The report states that the officer, presumed to be the named Myer, Meyer or Meyers, wrote that he feared that Harper was reaching for a weapon when she said she could not put her hands up because she was holding her baby. Contact meg.oconnor@newtimes.com for questions about the video. A 28-year law enforcement veteran, Williams came of age in the Phoenix Police Department but after 22 years, and making her way to the rank of assistant chief, took the job as the police chief in Oxnard, California. Among her accomplishments as chief, many highlight the deployment of body-worn cameras for all officers and the modernization of training. ", "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. Although, I have only gotten to know her over this last year, there simply couldnt be a more deserving person for retirement.Chief Williams served her first 22 years in Phoenix and left our department as an Assistant Chief to become Chief of Police in the City of Oxnard, California. So it is a cry out, it is a see and listen to me and help me understand why this is happening. Chief Jeri Williams, Phoenix Police. Would love your thoughts, please comment. "I didn't know what to expect To see people stand up for a standing ovation at an NBA game for a police officer. Phoenix appointed Jeri L. Williams as its police chief in 2016. But it reads that the couple were combative and non-complaint, despite the videos all showing the opposite. But refused to address a very direct question: When is it okay for a police officer to pull a gun on a family and say Im going to put a f*****g cap in your head. Williams said the incident is under investigation and that investigators will follow due process.. My oldest boy still plays basketball. 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. Theres no disputing what was done and said as its on video, but Phoenix police appear to say the actions of its officers, while disturbing were somehow justified. What they do is great and is important for the community, but who they are is why I am who I am today. Just as her son realizes his dream to play in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns. When she left that job after six years to return to her hometown and become Phoenixs top cop, one newspaper storys headline read: Chief Williams is Finally Gone And with a scorching lede that read: Lets count the bloody costs of her administration and review the tragedies she left in her wake. We need to see cultural change in Phoenix PD. In 2012, a mentally ill man was shot and killed by police in his house. 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, Parents wage protest against Gov. Chief Sullivan began his law enforcement career in Louisville, Kentucky as a member of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). Part 2: Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams talks about recent ambush attacks on officers and how it affects attracting police recruits. (Photo: Phoenix PD). They're all finally back in their hometown, just in time for the holidays and it's when the Williams family suits up for work that you realize their power and influence. I look forward to working alongside the community to make this possible. Then the full report came out, written by the officer who is heard on video threatening to shoot the family, Christopher Meyer. PHOENIX (KSAZ) - They're a power family for sure. "Being a police officer is one of the most challenging jobs anyone could ever choose to take on and being a chief is even harder," said Anderson. The couple was not charged with any crime related to the alleged shoplifting; they do admit that their 4-year-old had taken a dollar-store, Barbie-like doll. And there comes a breaking point where you say, Im going to put my family first., Williams started as the head of the department in Phoenix in 2016. We thank Chief Jeri Williams for her 33 years of service to the public safety community and for the many years and countless hours she has put in on behalf of the Phoenix Police Department and a City we all love dearly, Lou Manganiello, president of Fraternal Order of Police Phoenix Lodge 2 said in a statement. In a collection of recorded conversations, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams top aides privately stated that she misled the city council and public in the wake of an ABC15 investigation that exposed how police and prosecutors falsely charged protesters as gang members. Tune in to 12 News for the latest information. "We've been working together as father son coach player since he was 7 years old.". They said that since the dollar store wasnt interested in prosecuting the couple, no charges were filed. Still, the chief is "busier than she ever has been" preparing for the transition, a spokesperson says. So, what is next for the police chief? The group led many of the police reform protests in Phoenix a couple of years ago. September 13, 2022 Williams is married to Judge Cody Williams, a justice of the peace in south Phoenix, for 24 years. #MeaganHockaday Killed By An Officer In Oxnard, California http://t.co/1CtxksCWiY pic.twitter.com/DOnMxdyTUk. She did not announce what she plans to do next, but in the statement she said she wanted to. "We thank Chief Jeri Williams for her 33 years of service to the public safety community and for the many years and countless hours she has put in on behalf of the Phoenix Police Department and a City we all love dearly. City of Phoenix On Tuesday morning, Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams and the city of Phoenix. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams has announced that she intends to retire "this summer." A specific date was not given. Williams publicly claimed the gang charges were a "bad idea" and that there was a failure by her chain of command to . "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. Outside the Phoenix Police Department's downtown headquarters on Monday afternoon, the air was jubilant. Because they're people.. Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. What the report does not state is that police gave mixed commands, held the family at gunpoint, threatened to shoot and kill them, and manhandled, indeed assaulted, court documents allege, Ames, Harper and her baby she was holding. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego expressed her support for Williams' decision and said her top priority is making sure the Phoenix police have continued leadership. She received many awards, led parades and was a Woman of the Year. People were again incredulous saying that even if a doll was taken and a pair of underwear, the use of terrorizing force was unwarranted. After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change, the tweet from the Phoenix Police Department reads. department, thank you! "Both of them have hit two decades of honing their skills," says Cody Williams, Jeri's husband and Alan's father. A former city councilman, current Justice of the Peace, Cody Williams Sr. couldn't be happier. May 3, 2022 Its a heavy crown to wear. Part 1: FOX 10's John Hook talks to Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego, who has a unique perspective on the Russian invasion of Ukraine because he is a Marine who served in Iraq. "After the National Anthem, say a prayer, I touch my chest, they touch their chest," he said. The other two,Assistant Phoenix Police Chief Mike Kurtenbach and Assistant Washington, D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham, each had two years fewer experience than Williams. "This is a critical time for the Phoenix Police Department. How convenient that the Phoenix PD releases a video that puts the families character in doubt. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. I was appalled, but, not surprised at the reaction of the rioters-when people like your officer do what has been shown on this video, its easy to understand why no one trusts, or believes, law enforcementat any level.- When I was in the Border Patrol Academy and later the Criminal Investigators course, the phrase minimum force necessary was used over and over and over again. After more than two decades of numerous assignments, he rose through the ranks and was appointed the Deputy Chief/Chief of Staff (second in command) of the agency in 2015. She's under fire as top cop, in charge of the police officers seen terrorizing and threatening to kill a young black family. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams issued an apology on Sunday following accusations of misconduct during a shoplifting incident that went viral. For now, she has come under fire because her officers are accused, indeed seen on video, terrorizing a Black couple and their very young children over an alleged shoplifting incident. Williams is married to Judge Cody Williams, a justice of the peace in south Phoenix, for 24 years. Under her leadership, the Phoenix Police Department is advancing progressive strategies essential in contemporary law enforcement. In a collection of recorded conversations, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams' top aides privately stated that she misled the city council and public in the wake of an ABC15 investigation that exposed how police and prosecutors falsely charged protesters as gang members. ", Jeri added, "I feel it would be disrespectful to not stand and honor the flag of our nation. Full story: bit.ly/2WhK4dJ For more Arizona news, sports and entertainment, follow azcentral on: Facebook bit.ly/2N2Xqqc Twitter bit.ly/2MsVLOM Instagram bit.ly/2nPxgwm Online azcentral.com. August 12, 2021, 6:53 PM. Williams was also briefly suspended over the high-profile "ACAB gang" scandal, where Phoenix police and Maricopa County prosecutors brought bogus gang charges against more than a dozen Black Lives . @PhoenixPolice. PHOENIX With the hire of Jeri Williams as the city of Phoenixs newest chief of police came curiosity as to who she is and her history. "He's probably, out of all of us, the most creative," said Cody Sr. "Definitely," added Jeri. local news and culture, Katya Schwenk To help you get to know the chief a little better, we put together the following: Williams will be the first female to lead the citys police force and will take over for current Chief Joe Yahner in October, when the latter retires. Then, in 2016, she came home to Phoenix, immediately weighing in on the balance of racial issues related to policing. After realizing and understanding and implementing some of the presidents 21st century policing plan philosophies, all departments have had to look at what we do, and how we manage and how we enforce. Wouldnt it be a great world that if and when we respond to calls for service, and you call your Phoenix Police Department and every single time we come out we do right by you? She started her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989 working the same streets she grew up on in Maryvale. PO Box 24070 Phoenix, AZ 85074-4070. 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." Williams, chief of the department since October 2016 . The National Anthem has become so center, especially this year. 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. The secure and easy all-access connection to your content. A crowd cheered in the summer heat as temperatures reached the high 90s. "There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. 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. We have not seen that in 5 years, not seen that in 15 years, and its time for us to look at that more holistic standpoint--a much more honest, transparent standpoint.. For Chief Williams, it seems like a dream come true. "There is no mention of the pregnant mother & two daughters being held at gunpoint @ABC15 pic.twitter.com/V3921SVMFs, Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) June 15, 2019. #WorkYourWayUp #Dreams https://t.co/NQDx8QudnV pic.twitter.com/bap334yqhy, City of Phoenix, AZ (@CityofPhoenixAZ) July 14, 2016. In the witness video, Officer Christopher Meyer yells "I'm gonna f***ing put a cap right in your f***ing head. This is a family that proves to the rest of us when you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. Hes more than likely done this before & his rank probably knows about it. Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams says her retirement decision was to put family first. AND, if laws have been found to have been broken, he should be harshly punished to set an example. She was very dedicated to helping out her community, neighborhoods, her officers," said Williams' former colleague, Assistant Police Chief Andy Anderson. A Maricopa County justice of the . Chief Williams has been in law enforcement for more than three decades, starting her career as a patrol officer in Phoenix in 1989. Chief Jeri Williams. 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. Jeri Williams, the first woman to become Chief of Police for the city of Phoenix; Cody Williams, her husband, a former councilman. She also noted the updating of policies and procedures to mirror the changing expectations and demands of the community and increased transparency with the public. She spoke about her officers making contact with the couple. Two Phoenix sixth grade students required medical attention Wednesday morning after reportedly consuming marijuana edibles, authorities said. Nearly 200 guns were caught at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport security checkpoints in 2022, the fifth most in the country. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) The Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams plans to retire this summer, according to a tweet by the Phoenix Police Department. Williams also delved into the future and what she hopes will happen within the department in years to come. Raiford said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In a retirement announcement, Chief Williams notes some of the accomplishments she's most proud of during her tenure as Phoenix Police Chief, including: We respect your data and privacy. The couple had two college-aged sons, Alan and Cody. The Phoenix Police Department has faced numerous controversies under Williams' tenure. I think people forget that. 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. The police files zero charges against them for shoplifting. Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. She said, like you, Im disturbed by the language and action of our officer, but said the incident is not representative of the majority of the police department. Ames encounter with Phoenix police last May 2. @PhxPDChief. He has now mental and physical strength, combined with a great work ethic and a desire to have fun, which makes him a success on the court. (Phoenix Police Department) PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - The Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams plans to retire this summer, according to a tweet by the Phoenix Police Department. "Regarding the leg sweep, Meyer wrote "I made him spread his feet. KTAR.com. Chief Jeri Williams says the decision was motivated by her family, and shes focused on putting family first in this new chapter of life. Appeals court: Arizona early voting system is constitutional, Gas station clerks shoots armed robber, Avondale police say, Flooding strands about 300 campers inside Catalina State Park, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams to retire this summer. Police also admit they did not believe the family was armed. Williams announced her retirement in May, but as this issue went to press in mid-June, a firm date for her departure was still pending, and no interim replacement had been named. Williams has been in law enforcement for 33 years and began her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. Williams says the. Williams returned to Arizona in 2016 and was named Phoenix Police chief. 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. City manager Barton says he is searching for an interim police chief outside of the Phoenix Police Department. 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