New Chief To Take Over Atlanta Police Department: Mayor

ATLANTA, GA — Mayor Kasim Reed announced Thursday that Deputy Chief Erika Shields, a 21-year veteran of the the Atlanta Police Department, will take over as the chief of police.

On Dec. 28, she will succeeed Chief George N. Turner, who is retiring. The Atlanta City Council must confirm Shields before her appointment is final.

Shields has served in the APD as a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant and major prior to her current position as deputy chief of the department's Field Operations Division, where she supervises about 1,000 officers, accordiong to a city statement.

Shields also oversees the handling of 911 calls and investigations for the majority of crimes in the city, and leads the city’s efforts to strengthen community policing.

The new chief "has the experience and respect of her fellow officers to lead the department," Reed said in a statement. "I am confident that she will help create an even safer Atlanta while strengthening our reputation as one of the safest large cities in America.”

Shields holds a master's degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University, and earned a bachelor's degree in international studies from Webster University.