Chief Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams was appointed as Chief of Police in April 2025. Prior to his employment with the Santa Maira Police Department, he served the Oxnard Police Department for over 20 years, rising to the rank of Assistant Police Chief.

Chief Christopher Williams grew up in Oxnard and graduated from Santa Clara High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from the University of LaVerne and a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from National University.

During his career, he has worked numerous assignments which include School Resource Officer (SRO), Special Enforcement Team (SET), Graffiti Investigator, Gang Investigator, Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant of the Violent Crimes Unit and Homicide Sergeant. He received the community service award from El Concilio Del Condado de Ventura in 2015; he was selected Supervisor of the Year in 2011, and Employee of the quarter and nominee for Police Officer of the Year for 2008. He graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) in 2015 and from the FBI National Academy (Class #273) in September 2018.

In 2015, he was promoted to Police Commander. While as a commander he worked as a patrol watch commander, Special Operations Commander and Professional Standards Division Commander, where he managed the Internal Affairs Unit, the Personnel and Training Unit, and the Department’s Peer Support Team. In May 2022, he was promoted to Assistant Police Chief and was assigned to the Investigative and Administrative Services Bureaus. In January 2024 he was assigned to the Department’s largest bureau, Field Services.

He believes in being active with the community. He sat on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, volunteered his time feeding the homeless, volunteered as a youth basketball and football coach, and volunteered at the Ventura County animal shelter as a dog walker.