Willie L. Williams

Former police commissioner, Philadelphia and Los Angeles[33]

What is Willie L. Williams known for?

Willie L. Williams, born October 1, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished law enforcement official and a proud alumni of Overbrook High School. He has left a lasting impression not only on the law enforcement field, but also on the communities he served.

Williams's remarkable career began in 1967 at the Philadelphia Police Department where he climbed the ranks and was sworn in as an officer. His steady rise culminated in 1988 when he was appointed as the first African-American Police Commissioner in Philadelphia.

As Police Chief, he was known for his advocacy for stricter gun control, testifying before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee to support a total ban on the possession of handguns and semi-automatic weapons by the public.

In 1992, Williams moved to the West Coast to become the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). His tenure coincided with a turbulent period in the city's history, marked by the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Despite challenges, Williams worked tirelessly to improve LAPD's image and rebuild trust with communities that had been alienated by the department's previous actions. However, his non-traditional approach drew ire within some factions of the LAPD, and his tenure ended in 1997 when the Los Angeles Police Commission declined to renew his contract. Despite this, Williams remained the most popular official in Los Angeles, credited with restoring confidence in the department.

After leaving the LAPD, Williams continued his career in public service. In 1997, he published a book, "Taking Back Our Streets: Fighting Crime in America", co-authored with Bruce Henderson, outlining his philosophy of community policing.

Williams's last prominent role was as the Federal Security Director of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, a position he was appointed to in 2002.

Williams passed away on April 26, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of service and a commitment to community that would inspire generations to come.

To know more about his life and contributions, you can visit his page on Find A Grave and Biography.com.

For more information about Overbrook High School, visit their official website.