Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams to retire

PHOENIX - Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams will retire this summer, the department announced on May 3.

"After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change," Chief Williams said in a statement. "There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. 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."

READ: Jeri Williams' full statement on retirement

Williams has been in law enforcement for 33 years and began her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. She was promoted to assistant chief before moving to California to become police chief with the Oxnard Police Department.

Williams returned to Arizona in 2016 and was named Phoenix Police chief.

Williams' impending retirement comes after the Justice Department launched a widespread probe into the department to examine whether officers have been using excessive force and abusing people experiencing homelessness.

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Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton said of her announcement, "This is a personal decision. She’s been thinking about this for a while. It’s a heavy crown to wear. A lot has been going on. The chief also had two recent deaths on both sides of her family."

Among her accomplishments as chief, many highlight the deployment of body-worn cameras for all officers and the modernization of training.

"Your average major, city chief lasts about four years nationwide," said Andy Anderson, former Phoenix Police assistant chief. "I think it speaks to her ability to work with a lot of different groups … being a leader of those agencies is even harder."

Williams says she will retire this summer – no official date has been given.

City manager Barton says he is searching for an interim police chief outside of the Phoenix Police Department.

Arizona leaders react to Williams' retirement

Gov. Doug Ducey

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego

Councilwoman Ann O'Brien

"I am saddened by the news of Chief Jeri Williams’ retirement. Although, I have only gotten to know her over this last year, there simply couldn’t 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. 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. We managed to bring her home from California in October 2016 to serve as our Police Chief.

A 32-year career in law enforcement peppered with awards and accolades. During her time in California, Chief Williams was honored as the California Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year, thanks in part to her leadership and accomplishments as Chief. Here in Phoenix, Chief Williams was honored by the AZ Centennial Legacy Project as one of Arizona’s 48 most intriguing women, again for her leadership in law enforcement. And just last year, Chief Williams was appointed to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training Board.

Chief Jeri Williams blazed a trail and will leave behind her success, leadership, and knowledge for her predecessor. She’s left big shoes to fill, but I know the Phoenix Police force has some of the most outstanding individuals, and we will find a worthy replacement to carry on Jeri’s legacy. I hope Chief Williams enjoys her retirement!"

Councilmember Carlos Garcia

"Today’s announcement by Chief Jeri Williams marks a shift for our city. I want to acknowledge that Chief Williams and her family are major pillars in our community. She has led a life of public service and represented South Phoenix with dignity during her tenure.

It is no secret that the Phoenix Police Department has much work to do. While being very well-resourced, the department is still facing major challenges, including a Department of Justice investigation, and police union leadership that continues to not listen to the needs of the community and their own members.

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. I look forward to working alongside the community to make this possible."

Councilman Sal DiCiccio

"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. She was able to balance her role as chief beyond what anybody could have expected. Chief Williams did an incredible job for the citizens of Phoenix. As she transitions out of a career she has served for 33 years - a majority of those years right here in Phoenix - I wish her the best in retirement and beyond. Thank you for your service, Chief!"

Phoenix Law Enforcement Association

"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. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. We wish her the best in her upcoming retirement and look forward to working with city leadership during this transition."

Lou Manganiello, President of Fraternal Order of Police Phoenix Lodge 2

"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.

The Chief's impending retirement this summer represents an opportunity for improvement for the Phoenix PD. 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.

Phoenix needs more police officers. 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. 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."