Shawny Williams

  117 posts

Shawny Williams served as the chief of the Vallejo Police Department from late 2019 until Nov. 4, 2022 after he suddenly resigned. Williams, the city's first Black police chief, had a tumultuous tenure which included a public feud with the Vallejo Police Officers Association over low staffing levels within the department and the departure of several senior-level members of his command staff. Williams came to Vallejo from the San Jose Police Department.

  Apr 07, 2022

Vallejo City Council to get update on status of $10M VPOA lawsuit

The lawsuit from former Lt. Michael Nichelini alleges he was subjected to harassment, retaliation and intimidation by top-ranking Vallejo city officials....

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  Mar 31, 2022

How badge bending became a ritual among Vallejo police

For the last two decades, some members of the Vallejo Police Department have bent the tips of badges belonging to officers after they were involved in an on-duty shooting....

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  Mar 25, 2022

Vallejo implements new security rules for council meetings following protest

Family members of men shot and killed by Vallejo police briefly shut down the meeting to demand the involved officers be held accountable....

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  Mar 23, 2022

Judge says outside investigation into Vallejo police badge-bending tradition has ‘no value’

The judge said retired Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano's investigation into Vallejo police's tradition of badge-bending after shooting someone on duty is "not designed to bring some light" into the practice....

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  Mar 23, 2022

Vallejo City Council signs off on public outreach plan regarding police oversight

The council signed off on a nearly three-month plan to solicit recommendations from the Vallejo community on which independent oversight model will work best...

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  Mar 09, 2022

Vallejo City Council delays vote on $30M loan for police HQ as protesters demand release of badge-bending report

Protesters confronted Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams as they alleged that he has no power to reform the department....

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  Feb 25, 2022

27 apply to serve on Vallejo’s new surveillance advisory board

The Vallejo City Council is scheduled to hold two special meetings next week to interview all of the applicants....

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  Feb 15, 2022

Vallejo officer who shot Willie McCoy disciplined for stepping on man’s head

Officer Colin Eaton was suspended for 80 hours the following year for pinning a man’s head down with his boot for nearly a minute...

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  Feb 15, 2022

Vallejo police sergeant referred to police chief as ‘Black Jesus’

The investigation sustained two findings that Sgt. Robert Greenberg used indecent/derogatory language and engaged in conduct unbecoming of a member of the department....

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  Feb 07, 2022

Vallejo council to get update on search for new city manager, Mare Island land deal

The city’s human resources department sent a request for proposals to at least 10 different search firms....

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  Jan 21, 2022

Vallejo seeking applicants for new surveillance advisory board

The board is tasked with advising city council on the best practices regarding the city’s use of surveillance technology....

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  Jan 19, 2022

Departing Vallejo employees cite low pay, stressful working conditions

About 80 employees left in the first three quarters of 2021. The city currently has about 150 vacancies....

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