Phoenix Announces Jeri Williams as New Police Chief

<div class="ExternalClass73C204F59BC34894B4924575E4BB64A8"><p>Jeri Williams has been named Phoenix Chief of Police by City Manager Ed Zuercher, following a highly competitive national recruitment. Williams is thrilled to return to her hometown roots in Phoenix this October as her law enforcement career comes full circle.</p><p>“We are looking forward to have Jeri Williams lead our outstanding police department,” said Zuercher. “Her experience in community-based policing will have a tremendous impact on our city, one that she is very familiar with having spent 22 years rising through the ranks of the Phoenix Police Department.”</p><p>Williams has dedicated her 28-year career to protecting the public. She currently serves as the Police Chief of Oxnard, California where she has managed the department with a focus on community-based policing. She also oversaw several high-profile events including large community protests. Williams has overseen approximately 400 sworn and non-sworn employees and the management and operation of a $50 million budget.</p><p>Phoenix is where Williams spent the majority of her career, having joined the department in 1988 as a police trainee. After graduating from the academy, she rose through the ranks in many roles including walking the streets as a beat officer, then being promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, commander and assistant chief.</p><p>“I am excited about returning to Phoenix, the city that has always been my home,” said Chief Williams. “I look forward to continuing to build on the trust of the community by ensuring the utmost collaboration and understanding between our residents and the great men and women of the Phoenix Police Department.”</p><p>Williams earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University (NAU) and earned her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Arizona State University. She has also completed a comprehensive examination in pursuit of a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at NAU.</p><p>Williams has been married for 26 years and has two sons. She is a Phoenix native and was raised in the Maryvale area in west Phoenix.</p><p>She is expected to start at the city of Phoenix in October, 2016 when current Police Chief Joseph Yahner will be retiring.</p><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;">-30-<br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;"><img src="/Media%20Assets/Chief%20Jeri%20Williams%20IMG_1105%20200x300%20c.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:300px;" /><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br></div></div>

7/14/2016 9:15:00 PM

Julie Watters - Public Information Office

602-495-5901