PHX Reporter

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams has told city leaders that she intends to retire from her position this summer, after a 33-year law enforcement career.

Williams made the announcement via a statement on the city’s official website. 

"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. “There is never a perfect time to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside.”

Williams, a Phoenix native and graduate of Maryvale High School, first joined the Phoenix Police Department in 1989. She was promoted to assistant chief before leaving in 2011 to become chief of police in Oxnard, California. In 2016, she returned to Phoenix when she was named police chief. After six years on the post, Williams said it’s time to move on.

"As I make this choice to transition professionally, I am proud to have paved the way for this department to move forward in a positive manner while at the same time opening the door for the next chief to enter,” she said in her statement.“I hope they will enjoy the journey as much as I have while they lead the department through the next chapter in its history."

In another release on the city’s website, Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton praised Williams’ career and service to the community.

“Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves," Barton said in the release. “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."

According to a story by Fox 10, Barton said the decision by Williams to retire was for personal reasons.

“She’s been thinking about this for a while. It’s a heavy crown to wear,” he said. “A lot has been going on. The chief also had two recent deaths on both sides of her family."

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey took to Twitter to praise Williams.

"It has been an honor and privilege to work with chief Jeri Williams for nearly six years,” he said in a tweet. “Chief Williams represents the best values of being a police officer: Integrity, loyalty and deep concern for community. Real leaders like her are all too rare. She will leave a lasting impact."

The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association also issued a statement to Fox 10, saying “On behalf of the men and women of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, we thank Chief Jeri Williams for her commitment and service to the Phoenix Police Department. As a 33-year law enforcement veteran, Chief Williams has devoted her life to protecting our community. We wish her the best in her upcoming retirement and look forward to working with city leadership during this transition."

Barton said he will search outside the department to find an interim chief of police.