Chief Jim Williams was appointed to the position of Chief of Police on July 1, 2003. Chief Williams began his career with the Staunton Police Department as a police officer in September of 1984. During his career, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, Sergeant, and Captain, serving as shift commander, investigations unit commander, team leader of the Critical Incident Response Team, and Division Commander of the Community Involvement/Support Operations division.

Chief Williams received a Master of Science degree in criminal justice from Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 1995. He is a graduate of the 183^rd session of the FBI National Academy and the 47^th session of PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police. Chief Williams is Past President of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police  and Past General Chair of the division of State Association of Chiefs of Police of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Chief Williams is married to wife Jenny and has four adult children; Jonathan, David, Erin and Hanna. He enjoys reading, running, travel, and hiking.

A proponent of community-oriented policing, Chief Williams believes that in order to be effective, the police and community must work together to effectively reduce crime and improve the overall quality of life.