Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams To Retire This Summer

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams announced Tuesday that she plans to retire this summer, although she didn't give a specific date.

“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 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."

Williams has worked in law enforcement for 33 years, starting with the Phoenix Police Department in 1989 and becoming assistant chief before moving to Oxnard, California in 2011 to work as chief of police there. She returned to Phoenix and became chief here in 2016.

Gov. Doug Ducey said in a tweet that it has been an honor to work with Williams over the past six years.

"Chief Williams represents the best values of being a police officer: integrity, loyalty & deep concern for community," Ducey said. "Real leaders like her are all too rare. She will leave a lasting impact."

Williams has agreed to continue in her position with the department until a temporary replacement is found. City Manager Jeff Barton said he plans to look externally for an interim chief to help guide the department through an ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice.

The Department of Justice investigation, which was announced in August 2021, aimed to take a look at the use of force by Phoenix police, including deadly force. In addition the investigation aimed, "to determine whether PhxPD engages in retaliatory activity against people for conduct protected by the First Amendment," the DOJ said in a news release.

The DOJ also set out to determine whether Phoenix police practiced discriminatory policing and whether the department illegally seizes and disposes of items belonging to people experiencing homelessness.

"The investigation will include a comprehensive review of PhxPD policies, training, supervision, and force investigations, as well as PhxPD’s systems of accountability, including misconduct complaint intake, investigation, review, disposition, and discipline," the DOJ said last August.

The DOJ investigation was announced just before Williams received a one-day suspension and a written reprimand after members of her department were accused of arresting and collaborating with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office to charge protestors of police violence as members of a fictitious gang.

The city plans to perform a nation-wide search for a permanent chief at some unspecified point in the future.

In a statement Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio praised Williams' work in for the people of Phoenix.

"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," he said. "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!"