local news and culture, Katya Schwenk De-escalation training is already at the Phoenix Police Department. Somehow, I dont think this is the case with the Phoenix PD, but, probably should be. Phoenix Police Chief addresses controversial video, police misconduct allegations. 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. 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. 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. A 32-year career in law enforcement peppered with awards and accolades. "After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have . Phoenix's independent source of independent local journalism in Phoenix. news report on a project started by a Philadelphia attorney. Because they see a uniform, so they only see an officer. Jeri Williams, the first woman to become Chief of Police for the city of Phoenix; Cody Williams, her husband, a former councilman. A brass ensemble played a raucous rendition of "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." Jeri Williams has been the chief of police in Phoenix since 2016. 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. All Rights Reserved. A life we are so blessed to be able to have," said Alan. 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. Williams says she will retire this summer no official date has been given. 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. 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.. Patricia Pagliuca, an organizer with Mass Liberation Arizona, spoke during a protest at the Phoenix police headquarters on Monday. ", READ: Jeri Williams' full statement on retirement. There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. Under her leadership, the Phoenix Police Department is advancing progressive strategies essential in contemporary law enforcement. Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams and City of Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher, who is set to retire in October, discuss the DOJ's investigation into the ci. Statement from Mayor Kate Gallego on the retirement announcement of @PhoenixPolice Chief Jeri Williams. Outside the Phoenix Police Department's downtown headquarters on Monday afternoon, the air was jubilant. 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. After the National Anthem at a recent Suns game, Chief Willliams was recognized at center court. 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. Williams, who became chief in 2016 and announced her retirement in May, has long been a focus for Mass Liberation and other advocates for change in the agency. Chief Jeri Williams blazed a trail and will leave behind her success, leadership, and knowledge for her predecessor. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams to retire this summer. In 2012, a mentally ill man was shot and killed by police in his house. How does that feel to be back in the city where you raised your kids? "We can continue to talk about how good or bad, how different, how similar we are but if you're not willing to come to the table and sit down and meet then we'll always have this continental divide," Chief Williams said in 2016. The police escalated this situation and made it dangerous for the family and themselves for NO Reason. Williams also delved into the future and what she hopes will happen within the department in years to come. Jeri's profession has left a definite imprint on Alan. I also think his chain of command should face a review as well. #WorkYourWayUp #Dreams https://t.co/NQDx8QudnV pic.twitter.com/bap334yqhy, City of Phoenix, AZ (@CityofPhoenixAZ) July 14, 2016. "After the National Anthem, say a prayer, I touch my chest, they touch their chest," he said. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices! She received many awards, led parades and was a Woman of the Year. She started her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989 working the same streets she grew up on in Maryvale. 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. Chief Jeri Williams. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Because if the community trusts you to be just and fair, you will be less likely to more force than you would have.. 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 . 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. The Fraternal Order of Police Phoenix Lodge 2 represents the interests of Phoenix Police law enforcement professionals. 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. Even at a time when use of force by police is questioned by many across the country, it's a conversation Jeri welcomes. She did not announce what she plans to do next, but in the statement she said she wanted to. 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. 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. 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. What it is building relationships and connections with the community. Phoenix appointed Jeri L. Williams as its police chief in 2016. 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!!! So I am obviously an advocate of Black Lives Matter from that respect, because thats the community coalescing and involving. "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. 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. In August 2021, the Department of Justice announced it would be investigating the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department. RELATED: Here's a timeline of Phoenix police cases that may be investigated by the Department of Justice. 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. See All. Thank you for cleaning up our community one thug at a time.. But retired federal law enforcement officer Larry Athey from New Orleans wrote, this wasnt a one-off. PHOENIX Chief Jeri Williams of the Phoenix Police Department announced her retirement on Tuesday morning. A former city councilman, current Justice of the Peace, Cody Williams Sr. couldn't be happier. I will represent you. She's under fire as top cop, in charge of the police officers seen terrorizing and threatening to kill a young black family. May 3, 2022 Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves," said City Manager Jeff Barton. Colin Kaepernick, the protests -- has he ever been tempted to sit or protest during the anthem? An employee shot an man brandishing a gun at a gas station in Avondale on Wednesday morning, authorities said. 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. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. 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.. One of the most exciting elements of the MLB offseason is the Arizona Fall League, which began its 30th season Monday. Williams started as a beat cop in 1989 and worked her way up the ranks to become police chief. 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? The police files zero charges against them for shoplifting. A lot has been going on. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) The Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams plans to retire this summer, according to a tweet by the Phoenix Police Department. 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. How convenient that the Phoenix PD releases a video that puts the families character in doubt. This is a developing story. The investigation is looking into uses of force, how officers respond to situations and alleged discrimination. He actively seeks out officers who are working the game to thank them. 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. Hobb's proposed rolling back of school vouchers in Arizona, Super Bowl LVII: Federal officials measuring radiation in the Phoenix area; here's what you should know, 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. Last Tuesday, Williams announced she would be retiring, saying she felt called to go in a new direction. This is a family that proves to the rest of us when you put your mind to it, you can achieve it. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams issued an apology on Sunday following accusations of misconduct during a shoplifting incident that went viral. On the Phoenix Police Department website, Williams bio describes her as an accomplished police executive.. Chief Williams did an incredible job for the citizens of Phoenix. A police officer in certain places wouldn't have gotten that same reception," said Alan. Beyond proud of my mom for being named the new the new Phoenix police chief! "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. 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. "Both of them have hit two decades of honing their skills," says Cody Williams, Jeri's husband and Alan's father. People of faith, people who work so hard throughout their whole life to provide for my brother and me. 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. Then the full report came out, written by the officer who is heard on video threatening to shoot the family, Christopher Meyer. Phoenix police chief Jeri Williams announced on Tuesday that she was retiring. Ames and Harper rejected her apology saying it was not one. 2023 POLICE Magazine. 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. Physical Address: 2643 E. University Drive Phoenix, AZ 85034. She was promoted to assistant chief before moving to California to become police chief with the Oxnard Police Department. Then, City Manager Jeff Barton says, a nationwide search for a permanent replacement will happen later. 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. @PhoenixPolice. Become a member to support the independent voice of Phoenix An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect in a double-shooting that left a woman dead in Phoenix last year, authorities said Wednesday. But, its pretty clear he was fully responsible for unnecessary escalation of the incident. Dont tell me that they were in the right because of shop lifting, wrote Cassie Larson. 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.. This incident isnt getting lost on me by any stretch of the imagination, she said, in part. 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. 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. "Today, I get a tremendous amount of pride to be known as Jeri's husband or Alan's father. . Me, engaging with my employees; I love my employees in ways folks dont know. There was a day they were known as Cody's wife and Cody's son," he said. She returned to Phoenix PD in 2016 as chief. There were children there and they endangered their lives over less than $10? By Monday, Williams was sort of apologizing. Williams is married to Judge Cody Williams, a justice of the peace in south Phoenix, for 24 years. "Everywhere I go, if I see one, I thank them, ask how they're doing. The Chief's impending retirement this summer represents an opportunity for improvement for the Phoenix PD. The secure and easy all-access connection to your content. Its no stretch to say that relations between police and the public in America are strained. 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 . Since 2018 ten PPD officers have been rushed to honor health facilities. The cops are still on the job. 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.". Chief Williams will lead the department while city leaders choose the right person to temporarily take over. Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams has announced that she intends to retire "this summer." A specific date was not given. Of the 12, half are women of color. 61. Juan Zavala was beaten by police and died of unknown causes in 2014. Then, in 2016, she came home to Phoenix, immediately weighing in on the balance of racial issues related to policing. She was one of three candidates for the job. Shes been thinking about this for a while. #MeaganHockaday Killed By An Officer In Oxnard, California http://t.co/1CtxksCWiY pic.twitter.com/DOnMxdyTUk. 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. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Alan, the eldest, was picked up by the. 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 said she is proud of several things. Late Monday, Phoenix police apparently released video it says that sows the little girl taking the doll and Ames in the underwear aisle. 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. DOJ investigators came to Phoenix to speak with Williams, who was teaching officers de-escalation tactics. Phoenix appointed Jeri L. Williams as its police chief in 2016. Chief Williams has been in law enforcement for more than three decades, starting her career as a patrol officer in Phoenix in 1989. 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. 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. She oversees the largest police department in Arizona, manages 2,900 sworn officers and around 900 civilian staffers. "It's the biggest blessing. 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. "I think it speaks to her ability to work with a lot of different groups being a leader of those agencies is even harder.". After ASU, Williams attended Northern Arizona University. And Alan turned that into a career. 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.. 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. Find out more about how we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy. All of that comes later, she wrote in her statement. Nearly 200 guns were caught at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport security checkpoints in 2022, the fifth most in the country. 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. Williams, a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Major Cities Chiefs Association and the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, was named one of Arizonas 48 Most Intriguing Women by the Arizona Centennial Legacy Project, in partnership with the Arizona Historical Society and the Arizona Community Foundation for her leadership in the law enforcement profession. In 2016, apparently just before leaving Oxnard, was recognized as California Assembly District 44 Woman of the Year for her leadership and outstanding accomplishments as Chief of the Oxnard Police Department.. Still getting paid they earn more than $72,000 a year for desk duty.. And Meagan Hockaday, a 26-year-old mother, was shot to death by a cop in her apartment with her children nearby. 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. 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. September 13, 2022 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. They ignored their training. She spoke about her officers making contact with the couple. My oldest boy still plays basketball. Two days after the story broke, on Friday night, Williams posted a one-minute video statement to Facebook. Alan, the eldest, was picked up by the Phoenix Suns as an unsigned free agent and is currently plying his trade with the squad in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Its a heavy crown to wear. Phoenix Police Department. 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. Quantum Fiber supplies unlimited data with speeds up to 940 mbps, enough to share 4K videos with coworkers 20 times faster than a cable. Out of around 100 chiefs in Americas largest cities including Seattle, Oakland, Honolulu, Atlanta and, yes, Phoenix. We managed to bring her home from California in October 2016 to serve as our Police Chief. So, what is next for the police chief? 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. 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. Williams has been in law enforcement for 33 years and began her career with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. 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. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. All rights reserved. Contact. But Ames, police allege, was driving with a suspended license and that led to his car being impounded. In 2016, then-Pres. Chief Jeri Williams says the decision was motivated by her family, and shes focused on putting family first in this new chapter of life. I want to acknowledge that Chief Williams and her family are major pillars in our community. Its time to put family first for the moment, said Williams. 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. 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. 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. 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. Former Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams (Oxnard Police Department Facebook). Its been 33 years that Ive been in this business. View Events Calendar. 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. 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. Here in Phoenix, Chief Williams was honored by the AZ Centennial Legacy Project as one of Arizonas 48 most intriguing women, again for her leadership in law enforcement. ", "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. I do not care at all of they were shoplifting. 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.. by POL Staff City manager Barton says he is searching for an interim police chief outside of the Phoenix Police Department. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. It is no secret that the Phoenix Police Department has much work to do. I will be your representative. Because they're people.. RELATED: 'No credible evidence': Phoenix police ignored problems with charging BLM protesters as gang members, report says. Phoenix PD chief disciplined, others demoted after probes into gang charges and challenge coin. Polar bear kills woman, boy in remote Alaska village, Just hours before the Idaho murders, another grisly scene unfolded outside Bryan Kohberger's window, In Montecito, the Million-Dollar Views Still Come With Mudslide Risks, Channing Tatum says parenting with ex-wife Jenna Dewan made them realize they were so different, Hawaii fisherman overboard, missing after hooking large ahi, Chinas population declines for the first time in 60 years, White House charges GOP with hypocrisy on Trump, Biden, Prep highlights: Career-high night helps Brighton beat Hartland in boys basketball. Its a good day for a chokehold, and similar comments and posts by Phoenix officers can be found here in this database. "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. When I'm at a Suns game, I have family with me, so I'm just really blessed and fortunate," she said.

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