The vision of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition is to promote unity among African

American Christian Clergy, in order that our individual lives will be enriched, our diverse churches
and ministries will be strengthened, and the unique needs of our community will be addressed.
Luke 4:18-19; Ephesians 4:11-13

Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.

Chairperson
First Institutional Baptist Church,
October 28, 2019
602-258-1998, ext. 2210

Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Phoenix

Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr.
Vice–Chairperson City Manager Ed Zuercher, City of Phoenix
Historic Tanner Chapel A.M.E.
Church, 602-253-8426
Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr., City of Phoenix
Phoenix City Council Members
Pastor L. Gary Ransom
Treasurer
Greater Progressive Christian
Re: Support of Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams
Church, 602-462-5525

The Rev. James R. Lewis Greetings and blessings.

Secretary
Empowerment of Preachers
623-229-5824
The African American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC) would like to
commend Chief Jeri Williams for her bold and challenging decision, as is her duty,
taken on October 22, 2019, to fire Officer Christopher Meyer after an extensive
internal investigation into a use of force incident that occurred over the summer.
We also commend Chief Williams for the appropriate and necessary termination of
Detective Clinton Swick following a different thorough investigation for posting
racist comments on social media. The AACCC stands firmly behind the findings
and subsequent decisions as properly adjudicated actions serving both the
community and law enforcement.

One of the duties of the Police Chief is to serve as the person who makes ultimate
decisions on discipline within the police department. We recognize that disciplinary
decisions are difficult and that both the community and the police department often
view the consequences on opposing sides of the spectrum. We as citizens recognize
and appreciate her authority and expect her officers to do the same. Chief Williams
has proven to be a fair and just police executive who has made herself available to
hear from her staff and the community in an effort to hold accountable those
whomever were at fault in these instances. It was clearly the actions of those two
officers that prompted her disciplinary actions.

Therefore, we vehemently condemn any and all calls for a vote of no confidence
by the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association over these decisions. Whatever the
motivation for such an action is counterproductive to the communities need to trust
the Phoenix Police Department leadership and the officers in the field. We believe
that it must be clearly understood that no one is above the law and that there are
consequences to every action. The racist, misogynistic posts, along with the veiled
threats of violence from those who are sworn to protect and serve, has caused
trauma, anxiety and unrest in both the Police Department and the community at
large.

We reiterate adamantly that the creation of a Citizen Review Board is absolutely

necessary. We believe that this would drastically improve the trust between the
Phoenix Police Department and community through critical participation and
transparency. We understand the necessity for the Phoenix Law Enforcement
Association. However, their interest should not supersede or undermine the trusting
relationships being forged between community and the Phoenix PD. These are the
kinds of relationships we hope to continue to foster with our community and
building bridges of hope instead of tearing down those who are in crisis.

We are calling on you, City Manager Zuercher, Assistant City Manager Dohoney,
Mayor Gallego and Phoenix City Councilpersons, to stand in support of Chief
Williams as she does the hard work of identifying the existence of unprofessional
behavior, systemic racism and unlawful violence that have infiltrated the Phoenix
Police Department, and leading its transformation into a police department for
which we can all be thankful--one that protects and serves regardless of race, color,
ethnicity, gender, political persuasion or economic class!

Please contact us if you have any questions and/or concerns about our urgent letter
to you in support of Chief Jeri Williams.

Fighting for Justice,

The Rev. Reginald D. Walton, Chair, Civic Engagement Sector, AACCC

The Rev. Aubrey L. Barnwell, Coordinator, AACCC
The Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr., Vice Chairperson, AACCC
Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Chairperson, AACCC

1141 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034

Telephone (602) 258-1998