Honor the life of Commissioner Williams by renaming the Philadelphia Police Administration Building


The Philadelphia Police Administration Building was constructed in the 1960s and has been in use by the Philadelphia Police ever since. The building, sometimes referred to as “the roundhouse” for its unique design, is a well-known building in the city and beyond and should be renamed to honor the life and work of former Police Commissioner Willie Williams.

Williams, who passed away in April, began his career in 1964 as a Fairmount Park guard and would go on to become the first African-American police commissioner of both the Philadelphia Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.

He served the community with dedication, integrity and passion, and greatly strengthened police-community relations during his tenure as Philadelphia's police commissioner. Williams also improved crucial aspects of the department by decentralizing stations throughout the city and increasing diversity in the upper ranks.

Williams broke up open-air drug markets operating in the city and increased the practice of targeting residences that were being used to facilitate drug trafficking.  He also had the foresight to urge action against the flood of illegal guns in our communities before it was a commonly discussed issue. In 1990, he testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and strongly urged action to prevent any further loss of life. 

Williams was an inspiring figure for many in our community and the impact of his work is still evident in Philadelphia today. His legacy should be honored by renaming the Philadelphia Police Administration Building in his honor.