[1] On July 31, 1990, Williams, as Philadelphia Police Commissioner, testified before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, 101st Congress, 2nd Session on "The Increase of Homicides In Our Nation" also known as "Murder Rates: Why The Recent Rise?"

[2] Williams, however, faced a difficult tenure as he was at odds with the members of the Los Angeles Police Commission appointed by newly elected mayor Richard Riordan.

Williams had concerns about Riordan's pledge to add 3,000 officers, and instead lobbied for internal reforms recommended by the Christopher Commission in 1991.

[3] He was also not popular with the LAPD rank-and-file, particularly when he did not cut short his vacation in Las Vegas to attend an officer's funeral.

The California legislature passed special legislation defining police chiefs as peace officers regardless of POST certification so Williams could carry a firearm.