Keiser University Criminal Justice students are thankful to gain fresh insights from one of the community’s field experts as Holly Hill Police Chief Byron Williams also serves as a Criminal Justice Adjunct Professor.

In addition to the theoretical study of community policing, crime prevention strategies, and law enforcement administration, Williams delves into practical, tactical, and managerial lessons relating to those who patrol, serve in support roles, and manage high-pressure investigations.

Thankful to apply knowledge gained from 25 years of service, Williams shared that he’s grateful for the opportunity to ‘foster a safer, more connected, and trusting environment between law enforcement and the residents of Holly Hill,’ as part of his most recent role beginning in July 2024.

Hailing from the Daytona Beach Police Department, Williams began as a Traffic Control Officer in 1999. There, his responsibilities steadily increased to Sergeant in 2007, Lieutenant in 2016, and Captain in 2017. “The blend of academic knowledge and field experience has allowed me to bring real-life case studies, situational analysis, and the latest trends in law enforcement to the classroom, preparing students for their future careers not just in law enforcement, but other aspects of the justice system with a depth of understanding they may not receive from purely academic perspectives,” he said.

Inspired by two older brothers to enter the field, Williams is the youngest of five siblings and has always had a heart for service. “I was raised to help my neighbor when they needed it, so the example set by my parents just transitioned to law enforcement where I could make an impactful difference in someone’s life who was at their lowest point,” he said.

“We are grateful for Chief Williams’s dedication to fostering a safer community and shaping the next generation of law enforcement professionals. His contributions bridge academic theory with practical application, making a meaningful impact in the field,” said Keiser University Daytona Beach Campus President Ben Sedrine. “His extensive law enforcement experience enriches our Criminal Justice program and greatly benefits our students, preparing them for real-world challenges,” added Sedrine while sharing the value of William’s role in contributing to the launch of Keiser University’s newly acquired Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives (MILO) virtual simulation training equipment which provides students and local police officers with interactive scenarios for tactical judgment, firearms training, and more.

While sharing how academy officers are taught to effectively build strong relationships, Williams imparted that teaching future officers to engage empathetically and understand the needs of diverse populations helps foster trust, an essential element in solving crimes and maintaining peace. In addition, critical thinking skills are paramount as officers assess situations quickly and solve problems creatively.

“Whether it’s de-escalating a tense situation or investigating complex crimes, critical thinking is essential for effective policing,’ he said. “A well-trained officer becomes a pillar of their community, seen as a protector and not an adversary. It’s important because we have to be able to form a solid foundation of effective and trustworthy policing with the public whose perception of police has been shaking tremendously over the past 10 or more years. We in Law Enforcement continue from day to day and week to week, to work in unpredictable, high-stakes situations. I feel that some critical qualities like leadership contribute to safer encounters for both law enforcement and the public and policing involves daily decisions that can impact people’s lives from a minimum level to a life-changing experience. Instilling a strong sense of ethics ensures officers can navigate complex legal and moral issues while reducing instances of misconduct and increasing community trust. This also promotes accountability and integrity within the force, crucial for upholding the law fairly,” he said.

Williams also believes being an educator complements his role as a professional leader.

“To be able to teach at Keiser University you must stay up to date with the latest research, theories, and developments in criminal justice. The constant conversation with new information helps me to remain knowledgeable about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in law enforcement. This, in turn, benefits me as the Police Chief by keeping me informed to make the most up-to-date decisions in my current role, and also by allowing me to apply cutting-edge strategies in my department as needed. One thing I have learned since I began to teach with KU is that teaching encourages deep reflection on my own experiences and practices.  What I mean by that is that in explaining complex ideas to students, you have the opportunity to critically evaluate your methods and policies in law enforcement.  This normally leads to newer ideas and innovative approaches to new challenges. Also, not only does teaching push me to reflect, but when engaging with students, it sometimes exposes me to a diverse group of opinions and questions that sometimes can broaden my outlook on certain CJ issues,” he said.

When asked what he recommends to others who may be striving to excel professionally, Willaims imparted the importance of lifelong learning and a steady focus.

“Stay current with new developments, seek out opportunities to expand your skills, and remain curious.  Define both short- and long-term career goals. Having a clear vision of where you want to be and breaking it down into manageable steps helps keep you focused and motivated. I have always aspired to be a Chief and I made sure to continue to expand my knowledge through the years until this opportunity presented itself.  Those who excel are often the ones who embrace challenges and view setbacks as learning opportunities. The last thing I will say, and I had to learn this the hard way is that professional success should not come at the expense of personal well-being. You have to maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure you stay motivated and energized. Prioritize self-care, family, and personal interests to prevent burnout and keep your career sustainable in the long term,” he said.

Williams earned his general Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degrees from Daytona State College in 2005. He then earned his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Bethune Cookman University in 2018.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides preparation in many areas of the criminal justice system. Topics include but are not limited to deviant behavior, forensics, law enforcement and investigation, victimology, private security, corrections, and juvenile justice and how components work together and are governed by our laws, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution. This exploration of the American criminal justice system culminates with an emphasis on research, analysis, and the future of the system.