MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Horhn, Harden, Johnson (38th), Simmons, Jordan (24th), Frazier, Jackson, Turner, Walls, Blackmon

Senate Concurrent Resolution 588

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING WILLIE L. WILLIAMS, A DYNAMIC POLICE COMMISSIONER NATIONALLY RENOWNED FOR HIS INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY-BASED POLICING PROGRAMS. 

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams is a dynamic law enforcement officer who has served as police commissioner of two of America's largest cities, Los Angeles and Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams is known for his innovative community-based policing programs; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams' innovative leadership fostered an openness in two of the nation's largest police departments and earned the respect and confidence of the people they served; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams rose through the ranks from patrolman to Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams' innovative and successful implementation of community-based policing restored the public confidence in the Philadelphia Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams served 29 years with the Philadelphia Police Department with a spotless record; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams was selected to head the Los Angeles Police Department as it experienced its greatest crisis in history; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams, with his characteristic professionalism and resolve, rebuilt public confidence in the Los Angeles Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams has retired from public law enforcement and now serves as Chairman of the Board of Taking Back Our Streets, a national nonprofit grass-roots organization focused on the concept of community renaissance through community policing; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams is also President of Willie L. Williams & Associates, a multi-faceted consulting firm; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams is the noted author of "Taking Back Our Streets: Fighting Crime in America"; and

WHEREAS, Willie L. Williams' commitment to community and those he serves has earned him the respect and admiration of a wide diversity of Americans which is evident in the following awards:

William French Smith Award for Community Service

(U.S. Attorney General);

Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service Award

(Americans for Democratic Action);

National Peacemakers Award (Church of God and

Christ);

Father of the Year Award (L.A. Father's Day Council);

Heart of Los Angeles Award (for working to reduce

gang violence);

National Community Service Award (Barristers

Association of America);

National Public Service Recognition Award (100

Black Men of America);

Lloyd Sealy Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement

(National Organization of Black Law

Enforcement Executives);

Public Service Award (Hispanic Advisory Council of

Los Angeles);

Community Service Award (American Jewish Committee);

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend the outstanding service and accomplishment of Americans:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Willie L. Williams for his dynamic leadership in law enforcement and his outstanding record as commissioner of two of the nation's largest police departments and wish him success in his endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Willie L. Williams.