New Holly Hill Police Chief Talks Future of Department – ​​WFTV

“It was just breathtaking. A humbling experience and I just enjoy it every day,” said Chief Williams.

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Williams is now the 13th person to hold the department’s top position and the first person of color. She succeeds the previous chief, who took over after allegations of sexual misconduct.

For the past 25 years, Williams has worked for the Daytona Beach Police Department, most recently serving as Chief of Criminal Investigation and Chief of City Operations.

Williams said he has seen an increase in morale in the department since becoming chief of the HHPD and has been warmly welcomed by citizens.

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Williams wants the department to regain and maintain the trust of the public through openness and transparency.

“It has to start with transparency and openness. Being open with the citizens and letting them know what’s going on. That’s part of my 100 days, so they can see that improvements have been made and that the parameters have been set to make sure what happened months ago doesn’t happen again,” Williams said.

Chief Williams said he plans to fill the three to four vacancies in the department and has already conducted training courses on sexual harassment and diversity.

“These were some of the things that didn’t exist before that are now being implemented,” Williams said.

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The city said it is reviewing the budget and allocating funds to help with resourcing and hiring.

In a town of over 13,000 residents, Police Chief Williams plans to assemble a proactive police team to combat crime coming into Holly Hill from neighboring towns.

“I want the community to see that there are police officers everywhere,” Williams said.

Williams said he wants to keep crime rates low by installing more traffic lights and enforcing more traffic enforcement in the city.

Williams said he has a 100-day plan in which he hopes to help build a strong department and city, and is even looking into the department’s accreditation.

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