Community Forum to Focus on Williams’ Performance
Leaders of the Congress of Racial Equality announced plans for a community meeting Thursday to evaluate Police Chief Willie L. Williams’ first five years at his position as he faces a possible second term.
Celes King III, the state chairman of the 54-year-old civil rights group, invited the public to the 11 a.m. hearing at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, 3989 Hobart Blvd.
“South Los Angeles has traditionally been excluded from being in the mix,” King said at a news conference Tuesday. “We are a part of L.A. We intend to be heard on this significant issue.”
Earlier this month, Williams announced that he intends to submit his application to seek a second term as chief by the Jan. 7 deadline. He has yet to do so, officials said this week.
The Police Commission, which appoints the chief, would hold its own public hearings. King said he believes the community forum will ensure that the opinions of South Los Angeles residents will be taken into account.
Comments from the public will be accepted at the forum and will be compiled into a report for the Police Commission.
Williams was invited to the event, but organizers did not know if he will attend.
Information: (213) 298-8777.
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