Phoenix gets first female police chief (VIDEO)

Jeri Williams made history Friday as she was sworn in as the Phoenix Police Department’s first female police chief.

“I am your chief. I am a proud and humbled representative of this city, the Phoenix Police Department and the community,” Williams said in the ceremony. “I have been given so much by so many of you here in this room, as well as outside those doors, it is now required of me to step out on faith, leadership, experience and grace and lead this agency forward into a bright future.”

Williams, who beat 65 other applicants after the position, replaced Chief Joe Yahner as he took retirement. Williams praised Yahner for his work as top cop, noting that he was in office during what she called a tough time.

Williams said one of her main goals is to change any negativity surrounding local law enforcement, and said she will start to tackle such perceptions by meeting with many members of the community in her first six months as chief.

[ 12 News ]

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