A powerful Midtown neighborhood association has requested a meeting with Atlanta's mayor and police chief to discuss the ouster of an APD commander they say was instrumental in helping reduce crime in their community.
But APD Chief George Turner made it clear in a statement Thursday that Maj. Khirus E. Williams will not be returning as Zone 5 commander, despite calls from activists seeking more information about the popular cop's departure.
"As a neighborhood-based community service organization we find it upsetting and discomforting that one of the best of Atlanta’s very finest would be ousted for genuinely serving our community," the board of directors of the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance wrote in a letter posted on its website.
Williams, a 26-year APD veteran, said in an email sent to supporters Tuesday night he was "forced into retirement" after leaking a proposed restructuring that would eliminate community-oriented policing.
"[Deputy Chief Ernest] Finely is proposing to change the mission of this precinct and assign our officers as beat officers, responding to 911 calls, solely," Williams, Zone 5 commander, wrote in an email dated April 20. Once considered a rising star within the department, Williams, a 26-year APD veteran, was mentioned as a candidate to replace former Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington after his retirement in 2010.
On Tuesday, Williams wrote, "as a result of this e-mail, which was intended to protect Midtown's best interests, I have been forced into retirement," effective next week, he said.
"A political difference is not worth the loss of Major Williams," the alliance board wrote in requesting the meeting "to explain to residents of Zone 5 and others, how this entire episode came to be, will answer questions from the audience, and hopefully allow us to come to a better conclusion where everyone is not a loser."
Turner, without mentioning Williams' name, said he will appoint his replacement soon. According to Zone 5 neighborhood activists, the new commander will have huge shoes to fill.
"Maj. Williams literally helped us bring crime under control in this neighborhood," said Randall Cobb, former safety chairman for the Midtown Neighbors' Association. "I am greatly disappointed by this news. He will be sorely missed."
Williams' wife, Debra Williams, a major with the corporate services section, remains with the department.
"I'm just disgusted," said Rick Day, current MNA safety chairman. "This is politics as usual with this city."
Campos would not comment on Williams' claim that candor cost him his job. APD's spokesman did confirm the restructuring leaked by Williams has been considered but "this was only a proposal."
Turner said there are "no plans by the Atlanta Police Department to do away with officer patrols on foot, bicycle, motorcycle and Segway. Those important, ground-level patrols will continue."
Day, who owns the Spring/4th Complex, an entertainment and events venue, said the area requires a "proactive, not reacive, police response."
Williams' willingness to challenge his superiors nearly cost him his job two years ago when he challenged crime statistics released by the department, according to Midtown business consultant Steve Brodie.
"Khirus has a history of saying it like it is," Brodie said.
Williams declined comment when reached by the AJC Thursday.
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