Matthew Williams has been a Rockford Police officer since 2002.

In 2007, Williams was briefly fired from the Rockford police department.

There was never a public explanation as to why he was fired.

Before being fired Williams was put on suspension. Per Rockford Police Department policy, officers could use a personally owned gun on duty instead of a department issued one.

As part of the suspension the Rockford police chief at the time Chet Epperson took Williams on duty weapon citing serious concerns about the safety of Williams and others.

The problem was the gun Epperson took was Williams’ personal gun.

Epperson had it for two days before returning it but that did not stop Williams from filing a lawsuit claiming Epperson violated his 2nd amendment rights.

The union fought and eventually succeeded in getting Williams job back. Not only did he got his job back, he also got the back pay he was owed doubled.

In the next police union election in 2011, Rockford police officers originally held a vote where Terry Peterson, then incumbent union president and Andre Brass, a black veteran police officer, won.

After the results came in several Rockford officers said they had a issue with the way votes were taken. They demanded a revote.

On the revote Terry Peterson was again elected, but Andre Brass was not. Matthew Williams was.

Rockford police officers gave quotes to the media saying “This is who we trust.”

Since May 30th, 2020, Williams has worked several protests against local police violence. Williams has been involved in multiple arrests where excessive force is alleged.

On July 24th, 2020, Williams and RPD officer Branden Burke were assigned to work the Rockford City Market event. There, Metro Enforcement Agency “Captain” Tim Gentry approached Williams to discuss a protest in the area.

The protest was organized by the May 30th Alliance in an attempt to raise awareness to the local police violence that took place on May 30th 2020, the first protest in Rockford following the murder of George Floyd.

Gentry described the protest as disruptive in that they marched in the streets, blocked traffic, and used electronic equipment and sirens. Gentry asked the police to get involved saying they were ready to pursue criminal charges at the request of the City Market director, Cathy McDermott, a white woman.

Williams then spoke to McDermott who referred to the protest as an illegal group that had been attending the event the last few weeks. She confirmed they had been marching in the street and blocking traffic temporarily. McDermott complained about the groups language and the fact they did not have a permit to be doing these actions saying she was concerned for the safety of the events attendees, and the drivers on the road.

McDermott herself took cellphone footage of the protest and emailed it to RPD officers.

Williams noted that he had witnessed City Market patrons challenge the protesters.

On August 27th, 2021, Williams led a team of Rockford police officers to the City Market protest to take away all megaphones. During this, Williams grabbed a protestor by the wrist without any justification. He refused to answer as the protest asked what was the reason for this. Instead of answering Williams repeatedly told the protestor to not resist him.

On September 10th, 2021, Williams again led a team of officers to the City Market protest. A driver sought out the police to complain about the conduct of the protest. Her complaint led to the arrest of one protestor.

While on their way to arrest that protestor, a videographer accidentally bumped into a Rockford police officer as they walked up from behind him.

He was charged with misdemeanor assault to a peace officer.

While he was being arrested, another protestor was asking the officers why he was being arrested. Williams then pushed the protestor away causing the protestor to say “Don’t fucking touch me.”

Williams lunged at the protestor and they pulled out of his grasp. Williams and other officers swarmed the protestor taking him to the ground. While putting the protestor into the transport van, they slammed his head on top of the van causing a concussion. The protestor could not walk on his own, threw up once in the jail, and was sensitive to light.

They charged with aggravated assault to a police officer, resisting, and obstructing.

Throughout 2021 and 2022, Williams was one of the main cops to serve ordinance violations to members of the Occupation at City Hall. During these servings, Williams repeatedly harassed and threatened the protestors.

On December 24th, 2023, Williams responded as a sergeant to the murder of Patrick Kirby by Rockford police officer Michael Rhein. Upon arrival, Williams ordered officers to conduct interviews with every citizen in the building.

In 2019, Williams made $85,251 in salary + $10,697 in overtime = $95,948 + $25,350 in health insurance + $30,497 in pension pay.

In 2020, they made $87,764 in salary + $9,866 in overtime = $97,630 + $25,155 in health insurance + $33,025 in pension pay.

In 2021, they made $96,945 in salary + $22,897 in overtime = $119,842 + $24,180 in health insurance + $34,932 in pension pay.

In 2022, they made $93,667 in salary + $36,168 in overtime = $129,836 + $25,350 in health insurance + $39,700 in pension pay.

In 2023, they made $121,398 in salary + $36,609 in overtime = $158,007 + $25,350 in health insurance + $46,059 in pension pay.

In 2024, they made $115,092 in salary + $26,399 in overtime = $141,491 + $26,325 in health insurance + $52,059 in pension pay.

In 2025, they made $65,822 in salary + $5,128 in overtime = $70,951 + $17,830 in health insurance + $60,429 in pension pay.

If you or anyone you know has been abused, harassed or otherwise mistreated by this officer please email us with the officers name in the subject.