FeedsPolice chief reflects on goals, challenges
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John WilliamsWhat a difference a year makes.
Last year at this time, Chief John Williams had barely any time to enjoy his new position.
Promoted to the top spot in the department at the end of 2005, he had spent the first few weeks as chief in interviews for three promotions within the department, worrying about the impending budget cycle and dealing with the myriad issues that come with being ‘the boss.’
Now he’s dealing with the numerous issues that come with the role, planning for the upcoming budget cycle, dealing with current and impending contract negotiations—but at least the promotions are out of the way.
“Things are going good,” Williams said. “They’re going better than they were in the first few weeks of 2006. I’m certainly more comfortable with my job.”
Williams was one of several department heads to discuss the accomplishments of 2006 and the goals for the coming year at a city goals study session last week.
The goals included the transition of the new administration within the police department—that included his and three other promotions to command positions—and other changes designed to provide more opportunity for officers at various levels in Wayne. Special assignments—like the Community Oriented Police Crime Reduction Unit (COPCRU), the middle school and high school liaison posts and the community policing post—are now limited to three year assignments. Before there was no set timeframe for them.
“This allows new opportunities for all officers and brings a fresh perspective to the different positions, creating a more versatile police department,” he said.
The department took advantages in technology upgrades, too, moving to digital cameras for crime scene photography as well as digital cameras and new computer systems in patrol cars, among others.
This year, Williams said he hopes to build on the Traffic/Community Oriented Policing Unit set up last year. Ofc. Alan Maciag and Ofc. Matt Spooner had operated as separate positions in the past, but teaming them up has even more productive, Williams said. He said they’re role is to proactively solve traffic and community problems in conjunction with businesses and residents.
“They’re going to be working on starting up the Neighborhood Watch program, again,” Williams said.
The recent retirement of long-time veteran Sgt. Kevin Woodruff has caused some other changes in the department, too. Ofc. Rob Puckett was promoted to take his place and Ofc. Terrance Springer assigned as the school resource officer at Wayne Memorial High School—Puckett’s old beat. (See related story)
This year will provide additional challenges, though. The budget cycle promises to be tough again. Last year, the department was forced to lay off two new recruits. This year, Williams said he has to wait until the contract negotiations are finalized before he can hire a replacement to fill the patrol position vacated when Puckett was promoted.
The contract for Command Officers Association has already expired and negotiations are under way. The contracts for patrol officers and dispatchers expires in June.
Williams, a one-time union president, said he sees both sides of the equation.
“The most important thing to me is to keep morale up,” he said. “I’ve got to find a way to keep people focused on their jobs.”
The next city goal session is at 7 p.m. on Monday at the Wayne Senior Activity Center.
