Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams announced her retirement Tuesday after 33 years in law enforcement.
“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."
In 1989, Williams joined the Phoenix Police Department, where she would stay until 2011. That's when she was chosen to become the police chief in Oxnard, California. She stayed in that leadership post until 2016, when she returned to Phoenix as chief.
During her tenure, she was responsible for the department becoming fully compliant with the requirements for #8CANTWAIT and outfitted officers with body-worn cameras. She also was crucial in building relationships with the community, among employees and with peers throughout the Phoenix area and the state.
“Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves," City Manager Jeff Barton said in a statement. “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' last day was not given, but she "has committed to continue to lead the department while city leadership identify the right individual to temporarily take the helm of the State's largest law enforcement agency," according to a city news release. An external interim chief is expected to be hired, and that person will help the agency navigate a Justice Department civil pattern or practice investigation.
A national search for a permanent chief will occur at a later date, according to the city.
