We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The National Anthem has become so center, especially this year. Chief Jeri Williams says the decision was motivated by her family, and shes focused on putting family first in this new chapter of life. "Everywhere I go, if I see one, I thank them, ask how they're doing. This is the same police department that just one week earlier made headlines for 97 officers offensive Facebook posts calling black people thugs and Muslims rapists and encouraging violence against protesters https://t.co/cQBMnUstsY, Meg O'Connor (@megoconnor13) June 16, 2019, Williams said the language and terminology used in the posts are embarrassing and disturbing.. department, thank you! 1:43PM. 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.. The cops are still on the job. They ignored their training. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. She has a big job. So I stood up and said, okay, embrace the moment, take a deep breath.". Because they're people.. But still not leaving public service, said Williams. Proudest moment will still and always be the work that weve done within the department. Third Person Arrested in Arizona's Strangest Bestiality Investigation, Glendale Man Who Stabbed Family Charged With Two Counts of First-Degree Murder, Sheriff Paul Penzone Appeals Contempt Order That Proposed Millions in Fines, Make Way for Rachel Jones, the Next Gen of Windbag MAGA Acolytes in Arizona, Phoenix Police Shoot, Kill Two People in Deadly Start to New Year, To Cheers and a Few Jeers, Governor Katie Hobbs Takes Office Twice, Horned Frogs, History, and Sportsbooks: 4 Takeaways From an Epic Fiesta Bowl. 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. I hope Chief Williams enjoys her retirement!". 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. The couple had two college-aged sons, Alan and Cody. "I think the way they raised me has played into it a lot. AZPOST. The officer responsible for this outrage should be given due process. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) The Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams plans to retire this summer, according to a tweet by the Phoenix Police Department. But in reality, they're people in that position and they make human decisions on a daily basis.". She was able to balance her role as chief beyond what anybody could have expected. 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. 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 . ", "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. PHOENIX - Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said a number of factors played a role in her decision to retire from the department but heeding the "call to service" will remain part . Among her accomplishments as chief, many highlight the deployment of body-worn cameras for all officers and the modernization of training. And just last year, Chief Williams was appointed to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training Board. Read the full story here: phoenixnewtimes.com/news/phoenix-shoplifting-video-brutality-family-files-claim-11312081 These videos were filmed by residents of the apartment complex where Ames and his family were accosted by Phoenix police. news report on a project started by a Philadelphia attorney. Williams says she will retire this summer no official date has been given. I believe the National Anthem stands for the good in the country. 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. 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.". She was one of three candidates for the job. Williams has been a police officer for 33 years and was the first female Phoenix police chief. 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. Chief Jeri Williams, Phoenix Police. "After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change," said Williams. She was an assistant chief with the Phoenix PD in 2011 when she was named chief of the Oxnard (CA) Police Department. Somehow, I dont think this is the case with the Phoenix PD, but, probably should be. 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." local news and culture, Katya Schwenk Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams to retire this summer. Its been 33 years that Ive been in this business. Williams started as a beat cop in 1989 and worked her way up the ranks to become police chief. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Police also admit they did not believe the family was armed. We wish her the best in her upcoming retirement and look forward to working with city leadership during this transition.". big time for the great city of Phoenix! In August 2021, the Department of Justice announced it would be investigating the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department. After the National Anthem at a recent Suns game, Chief Willliams was recognized at center court. Because they see a uniform, so they only see an officer. 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.. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams issued an apology on Sunday following accusations of misconduct during a shoplifting incident that went viral. Arrest warrant issued for suspect in fatal August shooting in Phoenix, Arizona appeals court rejects GOP, rules early voting is constitutional, 2 Phoenix 6th graders treated after reportedly eating marijuana edibles, 3 feet high and rising: More snow expected in Flagstaff this week, Avondale gas station employee shoots man who came in brandishing gun, Nearly 200 guns found at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport checkpoints in 2022, Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one, Top prospects to watch at this years Arizona Fall League, How high-speed fiber internet can improve everyday life. 61. RELATED: 'No credible evidence': Phoenix police ignored problems with charging BLM protesters as gang members, report says. She returned to the Phoenix Police Department in 2016 as Police Chief.<br><br> "Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves," said City Manager Jeff Barton. 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. 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. ", "Chief Jeri Williams did an amazing job at the City of Phoenix given the toxic attacks on police we have witnessed in the past two years. . KTARs Corbin Carson contributed to this report. Williams outlined some of her achievements while serving as the citys top cop in a statement posted on the City of Phoenix website. (Photo: Phoenix PD). What it is building relationships and connections with the community. After five years away running the Oxnard, California Police Department, she is thrilled to be back home, landing her dream job, heading up the Phoenix Police Department. "He's probably, out of all of us, the most creative," said Cody Sr. "Definitely," added Jeri. May 3, 2022 "There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. 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. Juan Zavala was beaten by police and died of unknown causes in 2014. Colin Kaepernick, the protests -- has he ever been tempted to sit or protest during the anthem? A crowd cheered in the summer heat as temperatures reached the high 90s. People were again incredulous saying that even if a doll was taken and a pair of underwear, the use of terrorizing force was unwarranted. Community Message from Police Chief Jeri Williams: https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/1089: Police: 3/24/2020 10:00:00 PM: https://youtu.be/LxsQI3JAaxA Jeri Williams has been the chief of police in Phoenix since 2016. Contact. Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams announced on Tuesday that she was retiring. Some 300 campers stranded at an Arizona park due to flooding, 19 stolen cars found at suspected 'chop shop' in Phoenix, DPS says, DPS: Several stolen cars found at Phoenix salvage yard, Wednesday morning Arizona forecast 1-18-23, 'Like kicking a dog when it's down': DOJ investigates Phoenix homeless cleanups, 5 things the feds are investigating the Phoenix police for. But frankly Im all about all lives matter. Williams worked through the ranks eventually becoming an Assistant Chief before moving to Oxnard California in 2011 to serve as the Police Chief. 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.". Williams is married to Judge Cody Williams, a justice of the peace in south Phoenix, for 24 years. "It was one of the coolest things ever got to see because they not only saw her as a chief of police, but as a member of the community. 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. 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. 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. Phoenix Police Chief addresses controversial video, police misconduct allegations. I look forward to working alongside the community to make this possible. The video has been shared globally and elicited uniform condemnation of the officers actions, and police and city leadership; the cops bosses. You have things posted on social media that may or may not be accurate, that wears on you and drains on you. 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.. 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. Phoenix needs more police officers. I applaud Chief Williams for her accomplishments and for her leadership," Gallego said in a statement. At every game, Alan looks up to his parents in the stands. But also the relationships weve built within the community and have sustained those relationships even over troubling times, challenging times, she said. 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. Chief Williams did an incredible job for the citizens of Phoenix. 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