Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams will retire from her position over the summer, according to a news release from her office.
Williams, who has led the law enforcement agency for the past 6 years, did not immediately identify the steps that will follow her retirement.
“Now, a few months away from completing my 6th year as Chief, it is time to look to the future. After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change. 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,” she said in the statement.
Mayor Kate Gallego detailed that city leaders will name an interim chief in the coming months before finding a permanent solution.
“So what’s next? My last day will be sometime this summer. I know there is going to be speculation and questions about where I am going and what I’m going to do next. All of that comes later. For the time being, there is nothing more important to me than working with City management as we develop a transition plan. Finally, here’s what I want you to know: I’ve been a cop for 33 years. I still feel extremely proud and honored to put a badge and uniform on every day as a symbol of the oath I took in 1989 to serve and protect our community. It has been my extreme honor to serve this city and department as your Phoenix Police Chief,” Williams added.
Notably, the Department of Justice is currently probing the department over allegations of abuse of force.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Background Photo “Phoenix City Hall” by sean horan. CC BY 2.0.
