Chief Elvia Williams
Phenomenal Woman in Law Enforcement
Chief Elvia Williams has served in the field of law enforcement for over 31 years. In 1987 she joined the Newport News Virginia Police Department. During her tenure in Newport News she moved up through the ranks from patrol officer to Community Programs Commander. She was instrumental in partnering with the community to address crime problems. Elvia worked with the school system by providing Police Athletic League programs, managing School Resource Officer and DARE programs and implementing the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety program.
In 2000, Elvia joined the Eugene Oregon Police Department as a Captain. She was instrumental in developing a Racial Profiling Study and revamping the Internal Affairs Division. Elvia worked with representatives from minority, educational, civic and civil rights group to address the issue “Driving while Black or Brown.” The Eugene Human Rights Commission and the Eugene/Springfield NAACP formally recognized her for her community outreach.
In 2006, Chief Williams joined the Maywood Illinois Police Department as Police Chief. She worked with community members to improve police/community relations; and partnered with Loyola Medical Center and CeaseFire in conducting a “Gun Buy Back” program. Elvia served as a mentor of youth for Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action (PLCCA) and served on several of its committees to obtain training and hiring grants for past offenders.
In 2010, Chief Williams joined to Richton Park Police Department as Police Chief. She has been instrumental in developing positive relationships between the community and police department. During her tenure, the National Night Out program has expanded; bicycle patrol was implemented; a School Resource Officer program was developed; and there has been an improved relationship with all Richton Park School Districts. She was awarded the 2015 Illinois Crime Commission and Police Athletic League “Police Chief of the Year”, and served as the 2015 President of the South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police. She is currently the Chair of the NEMRT Training and Curriculum Committee, Vice-Chair of the South Suburban Major Crimes Taskforce and a member of the NOBLE National Training Committee.
Elvia is married to Bishop Ronnie White and together they have 6 children and 10 grandchildren. She holds a B.S. from Loyola University Chicago and a M.A. from Hampton University. Elvia is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Oregon Executive Institute for Senior Law Enforcement and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
Please consider making a donation to the Reaching Back Foundation in Chief William's name. Visit www.reachingbackfound.com/donate to donate.