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. And just last year, Chief Williams was appointed to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training Board. Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves," said City Manager Jeff Barton. Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. 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. 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. At the top of the list were implementing body-worn cameras for officers patrolling our streets and documenting every time an officer pointed their weapon at somebody. The cops are still on the job. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) The Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams plans to retire this summer, according to a tweet by the Phoenix Police Department. Click Manage settings for more information and to manage your choices. Williams is married to Judge Cody Williams, a justice of the peace in south Phoenix, for 24 years. 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. I also think his chain of command should face a review as well. Join the New Times community and help support But still not leaving public service, said Williams. 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. Thank you for cleaning up our community one thug at a time.. Just as her son realizes his dream to play in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns. RELATED: Here's a timeline of Phoenix police cases that may be investigated by the Department of Justice. The National Anthem has become so center, especially this year. Were still servants to this community, and thats not going to change., Williams also described the changes social media and cellphone videos have brought law enforcement since shes been in the line of duty for over three decades. Because they see a uniform, so they only see an officer. An employee shot an man brandishing a gun at a gas station in Avondale on Wednesday morning, authorities said. Williams says the. City manager Barton says he is searching for an interim police chief outside of the Phoenix Police Department. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Chief Jeri Williams says the decision was motivated by her family, and shes focused on putting family first in this new chapter of life. 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. PHOENIX (KSAZ) - They're a power family for sure. #WorkYourWayUp #Dreams https://t.co/NQDx8QudnV pic.twitter.com/bap334yqhy, City of Phoenix, AZ (@CityofPhoenixAZ) July 14, 2016. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. A brass ensemble played a raucous rendition of "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." She left Phoenix in 2011 to take over as the top cop in Oxnard, California. 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. Williams outlined some of her achievements while serving as the citys top cop in a statement posted on the City of Phoenix website. Former Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams (Oxnard Police Department Facebook). 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 ASU, Williams attended Northern Arizona University. What they do is great and is important for the community, but who they are is why I am who I am today. 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. 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 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. "After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have . ", Jeri added, "I feel it would be disrespectful to not stand and honor the flag of our nation. Williams said she was disturbed the by video but then put out a fact sheet about the case which appeared to blame the victims, at least in part. She did not announce what she plans to do next, but in the statement she said she wanted to. I will be your representative. "It's wearing me out!" I want to acknowledge that Chief Williams and her family are major pillars in our community. I do not care at all of they were shoplifting. They said that since the dollar store wasnt interested in prosecuting the couple, no charges were filed. 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"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. August 12, 2021, 6:53 PM. In the witness video, Officer Christopher Meyer yells "I'm gonna f***ing put a cap right in your f***ing head. Barack Obama appointed Williams, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from Arizona State University and a Masters degree in Education from Northern Arizona University, to a membership position on the Medal of Valor Review Board. 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. There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams speaks FOX 10's Troy Hayden and Syleste Rodriguez on her plans to retire from law enforcement this summer. Williams has been in law enforcement for 33 years and began her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. Hes more than likely done this before & his rank probably knows about it., Id have never handled this situation like this, & no one Ive worked with wouldve either. "There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. A year later, Williams announced multiple officers were put on desk duty and faced possible misconduct investigations after an advocacy group published thousands of social media posts by officers in Phoenix and around the country showing racist comments and imagery. "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. So the Black Lives Matter movement is a call and a cry out for us as a community, we as law enforcement to really recognize and know the importance of community connections, police legitimacy and trust and just bear respect for human life.. 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. Phoenix appointed Jeri L. Williams as its police chief in 2016. Williams has been a police officer for 33 years and was the first female Phoenix police chief. There were children there and they endangered their lives over less than $10? 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. While we will find out more about exactly where Williams stands on certain topics as we move closer to her October start date, she did speak about a few things in the buildup to her hire. 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. In August 2021, the Department of Justice announced it would be investigating the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department. Beyond proud of my mom for being named the new the new Phoenix police chief! But, its pretty clear he was fully responsible for unnecessary escalation of the incident. She spoke about her officers making contact with the couple. About 36 inches of snow blanketed Flagstaff during this week's winter storm, and forecasters say more is on the way in the coming days. Updated: 4:33 AM MST May 4, 2022. It is no secret that the Phoenix Police Department has much work to do. 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. We need to see cultural change in Phoenix PD. 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.. Shes 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 Jeris legacy. "Both of them have hit two decades of honing their skills," says Cody Williams, Jeri's husband and Alan's father. Most specifically those in critical incidents. Whether Alan chooses to stand or kneel, that's Alan's choice, but do know that anything he chooses to do or not do could impact one and other.". 61. How does that feel to be back in the city where you raised your kids? @PhoenixPolice. When I'm at a Suns game, I have family with me, so I'm just really blessed and fortunate," she said. Raiford said. (Second son, Cody Jr., is a student at UCSB.) A family spokesperson shared the videos with the Phoenix New Times. It also reads that they admitted to having a stolen $.99 doll in the car and, the report reads, Ames said there was a pair of underwear that had been taken. 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. Outside the Phoenix Police Department's downtown headquarters on Monday afternoon, the air was jubilant. Even at a time when use of force by police is questioned by many across the country, it's a conversation Jeri welcomes. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. Jeri Williams, the first woman to become Chief of Police for the city of Phoenix; Cody Williams, her husband, a former councilman. The investigation is looking into uses of force, how officers respond to situations and alleged discrimination. Its no stretch to say that relations between police and the public in America are strained. Then, in 2016, she came home to Phoenix, immediately weighing in on the balance of racial issues related to policing. I believe the National Anthem stands for the good in the country. He actively seeks out officers who are working the game to thank them. Me, engaging with my employees; I love my employees in ways folks dont know. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. independent local journalism in Phoenix. Police described the entire incident, the violent arrest and threats to shoot the family, as, a man and woman in the car were taken into custody and detained.. The police files zero charges against them for shoplifting. Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams announced on Tuesday that she was retiring. May 3, 2022 Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12 News YouTube playlist here. They're great people. Among her accomplishments as chief, many highlight the deployment of body-worn cameras for all officers and the modernization of training. Powered by. Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves, City Manager Jeff Barton said in a news release. Phoenix's independent source of that theyd shoot Dravon Ames, 22, his pregnant fiance Iesha Harper, 24. the officer who is heard on video threatening to shoot the family, Christopher Meyer. "Todays announcement by Chief Jeri Williams marks a shift for our city. Proudest moment will still and always be the work that weve done within the department. Cody Jr. is away at college. 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. The Department of Justice is investigating the police department on multiple fronts, including the use of deadly force, how police have handled journalists and protesters, and how officers treat homeless people. Chief Jeri Williams blazed a trail and will leave behind her success, leadership, and knowledge for her predecessor. DOJ investigators came to Phoenix to speak with Williams, who was teaching officers de-escalation tactics. 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. 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. Alan, the eldest, was picked up by the. Phoenix Police Chief addresses controversial video, police misconduct allegations. City of Phoenix 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. 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. 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 Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams issued an apology on Sunday following accusations of misconduct during a shoplifting incident that went viral. Hes more than likely done this before & his rank probably knows about it. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 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. Chief Williams did an incredible job for the citizens of Phoenix. "We've been working together as father son coach player since he was 7 years old.". 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. KTARs Corbin Carson contributed to this report. "I am saddened by the news of Chief Jeri Williams retirement. 2023 FOX Television Stations, from THU 12:00 AM MST until THU 9:00 AM MST, Northwest Pinal County, from WED 10:00 PM MST until THU 9:00 AM MST, Western Pima County including Ajo/Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Tohono O'odham Nation including Sells, Tucson Metro Area including Tucson/Green Valley/Marana/Vail, South Central Pinal County including Eloy/Picacho Peak State Park, Southeast Pinal County including Kearny/Mammoth/Oracle, from FRI 6:00 AM MST until FRI 6:00 PM MST, Chinle Valley, Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, White Mountains, Black Mesa Area, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264, from THU 8:00 PM MST until FRI 2:00 PM MST, Kaibab Plateau, Marble and Glen Canyons, Grand Canyon Country, Coconino Plateau, Yavapai County Mountains, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Western Mogollon Rim, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Northern Gila County, Yavapai County Valleys and Basins, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, from WED 1:46 PM MST until FRI 8:00 AM MST, Graham County, Jeri Williams' full statement on retirement, Looking for love? City of Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams and forward/center for the Phoenix Suns Alan Williams: your typical, run-of-the-mill mom and son. "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. 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. 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. But its more than just the de-escalation of force. But it reads that the couple were combative and non-complaint, despite the videos all showing the opposite. Phoenix needs more police officers. The couple had two college-aged sons, Alan and Cody. While serving as the citys top cop in Oxnard, California the community, but they! 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