Chester Instructs Force to Comply with Incoming Commissioner

Chester Williams’ successor as Commissioner of Police is yet to be confirmed, although indications are that Deputy Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado has been tapped for the post. However, Williams is confident that the new commissioner will be up to the task and expects a smooth transition for the department, provided the force respects the new leadership. In a conference with the department’s commanders this morning, Williams offered guidance on how to operate under the new commissioner. He shared more details on those instructions today.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I told them that they need to throw their support behind the person who is going to be appointed commissioner police when I leave.  I explained to them the importance of them supporting the new commissioner. We are a disciplinary organization and whether you have, if you have something personal against a person who is going to be appointed, you need to put that aside and focus on your professional responsibility which is to work with the commissioner, making this country safe. The person who is going to be appointed I believe that he’s capable. He should be able to continue from where I am leaving off in enhancing the effectiveness of the police department and making this country safe. So they are pledge that they will support the person and I do hope that they do, as they say. And I also said to them that the practice of them calling and briefing the media when conference is over, that I hope that comes to an end. Confidentiality is extremely essential. Especially at our level. If at the top of the department we cannot keep certain things confidential, then what do we expect of those persons below? I also told him that the undermining must also stop. Whoever is going to be the new commissioner, they cannot undermine him. They must work together because they have one common objectives, which is to make this country safe. So I hope that they take my advice, and if they do, then I foresee that they will have a smooth sailing in my absence.”