The woman who has led Oxnard’s police department since 2011 is leaving for the same position in the City of Phoenix. Chief Jeri Williams announced the move last week, calling it an honor to have served the Oxnard community for the past five-and-a-half years.
Williams began her career in Phoenix and eventually rose to the rank of assistant police chief there. She later moved to Oxnard, becoming the first woman to head its police department. She will become Phoenix’s first female chief as well.
“I’m happy for her, I’m sad for the community,” said Councilman Bryan MacDonald. “She has the opportunity to expand her horizons.”
Williams’ exit leaves Oxnard with two key vacancies in its top public safety departments. A few weeks ago, Fire Chief Bryan Brice announced he’s leaving for Washington state.
Oxnard and Phoenix are a study in contrasts. Phoenix has hired 300 police officers this fiscal year alone, while Oxnard has had to cut 15 positions in the past year.
Read more about Williams’ departure here.