Episode 5: William Townsell

In this episode of "First Response," Bob Plaschke interviews William Townsell from the Chicago Police Department.

For over 23 years, William Townsell has been a dedicated civilian Assistant Director with the Chicago Police Department's Office of Community Policing. In this role, William oversees crime abatement outreach and engagement initiatives for businesses and landlords, and delivers crime prevention presentations to individuals and community groups. He has also stepped in as acting supervisor for the civilian field operations staff across the city when needed. Additionally, William is responsible for conducting training and orientations for volunteer court advocates. Since September 2015, he has expanded his expertise as an auxiliary youth trainer, working with 6th to 8th-grade students in a federally funded youth engagement pilot program. His long-standing commitment to community safety and youth development reflects his deep dedication to fostering a safer Chicago.