City of Joliet Announces Retirement of Chief of Police William Evans

JOLIET, Ill. - The City of Joliet today announced the upcoming retirement of Chief of Police William Evans, who will conclude a distinguished career in law enforcement after 24 years of dedicated service.

Chief Evans has served as the department's leader since 2022 following an extensive career with the Cook County Sheriff's Department. Since his appointment, Evans has provided steady leadership and brought a wealth of experience to the department, with a strong focus on public safety, professionalism, and community engagement. Under his leadership, the department has continued to strengthen its commitment to transparency, accountability, and building trust with residents across Joliet.

"It's been an honor to serve the City of Joliet and lead the men and women of the Joliet Police Department," said Chief Evans. "I'm proud of the work the department has done and the commitment shown every day by our officers. I appreciate the trust placed in me during my time here, and I leave confident in the direction the department is headed and the dedicated professionals from the Joliet Police Department who will carry it forward."

Effective upon Chief Evans' retirement on May 28, 2026, Deputy Chief Robert Brown will assume the role of Interim Police Chief. Deputy Chief Brown currently serves as Joliet Police Department's second-in-command and has been a member of the department since 2000. Brown earned a master's degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University in 2019, and a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Governors State University in 1998. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the Northwestern University Executive Management Program, and the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University. As Interim Chief, Brown will oversee daily operations and ensure continuity of service while the City conducts a comprehensive search for the next Chief of Police.

"We extend our sincere appreciation to Chief Evans for his leadership and service to the City of Joliet," said Mayor Terry D'Arcy. "His experience and commitment to public safety have helped guide the department during his tenure, and we wish him continued success in retirement. As we begin the process of selecting the next Chief of Police, it is important that we take a thoughtful and inclusive approach. Deputy Chief Brown is a respected leader within the department, and we are confident in his ability to provide steady direction and keep the department well-positioned to meet the needs of our community during this transition."

The City of Joliet will initiate a formal recruitment process in the coming weeks to identify the next Chief of Police. As part of this process, all Joliet Police Department staff will be provided with a survey to gather perspectives on leadership needs, morale, operational strengths, and areas for improvement. An open recruitment will then take place, followed by candidate selection and interviews, with an announcement of the selected candidate expected in summer 2026.

For more information on the Joliet Police Department and City of Joliet, please visit www.joliet.gov.