Chief Vows to Increase Police Presence on Streets

Reaffirming his commitment to community-based policing, Chief Willie L. Williams vowed a visible increase of police officers on the streets within one year, in the hope of improving relations between the department and the community.

“We need officers out of cars and instead on foot, bikes and horses so you can say hello to them. Closer personal contact with your police officers means that when something goes wrong, it will be natural to talk to the police,” Williams told a crowd of 200 last week at a Crenshaw Neighbors Inc. meeting at Baldwin Hills Elementary School. Referring to the audience as his “customers,” Williams said, “If we are to be a good service agency, then we must operate like a business. And you are the group we are serving. We answer to you.” Williams said the community must forward suggestions on improving police service to local police stations.

Williams, who has been on the job 15 months, said the Police Department is challenged by low morale, a lack of funds and an increase in violent crimes. But he said that, with the support of the community and city government, the department will overcome its problems.

“Together, we can make a positive change. All we need is some fine-tuning. I think we have a real opportunity to make a difference in L.A., to rebuild L.A. right here in the Los Angeles Police Department,” he said.

The audience, which gave Williams a standing ovation when he left, seemed heartened.

“I think he’s a fantastic man. He knows his onions and I think he is confident and sincere,” said Velma Anderson of Baldwin Hills.

Istria Ross of Crenshaw said: “He’s trying to get police working with the community and that’s great. We’ve never had that before.”

Gisele Dorsey of Crenshaw said Williams is a welcome change: “(Former Chief Daryl F.) Gates was too aloof. I am glad Williams came here to talk to the community. . . . It was good to hear him talk about things.”

Crenshaw Neighbors is a 30-year-old neighborhood-improvement organization with about 450 members from Crenshaw, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills, View Heights, View Park and Leimert Park.