Head of Merced College police selected as city’s acting top cop

Merced Police Capt. Matt Williams has been named acting police chief, city officials said.

Williams, 55, has been serving as the director of law enforcement at Merced College for the last three years. He’ll be taking over for former Chief Chris Goodwin, who earlier this month announced his retirement.

“Matt has been a tremendous asset in the department,” City Manager Steve Carrigan says in a news release. “He knows the department thoroughly, he understands police work and he identifies with the community.”

Williams, an Atwater native, worked in his family’s construction business before joining the U.S. Army and serving four years in the 75th Rangers Regiment, the release states.

He joined the Atwater Police Department as a reservist and joined the Merced Police Department in January 1989, according to the release.

Except for a three-month stint working for a Montana police department, Williams worked through the Merced police ranks and was promoted to captain in 2016, the release states.

As head of the college’s police department, Williams expanded the camera system on campus and implemented safety measures such as a safety app and active shooter training, among other initiatives, according to the release.

Williams’ familiarity with the police department and community will be key during a transition to a permanent police chief, Carrigan said.

City officials plan to recruit a new permanent chief, but details on the process are expected to be determined after the new year starts, city spokesman Mike Conway said.