Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams announced Tuesday she will retire this summer after six years leading the department, which is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice for possible civil rights violations.
“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 Tuesday. “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.”
Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton plans to hire an interim chief from outside the department, “who will not be the permanent chief but instead will guide the department through the currently open Department of Justice civil pattern or practice investigation,” according to a news release from his office Tuesday.
