Erika Shields Sworn in As Atlanta's Top Cop

ATLANTA, GA -- In a rousing Wednesday night affair that featured city leaders and administrators, Erika Shields was sworn in as Atlanta's top cop.

Shields gave hugs, took photos and shook hands as the freshly minted police chief of the largest city in the Southeast.

"I am making some changes in operation and in personnel and infusing some new ideas in how we approach things," she said, according to WSB-TV.

Atlanta police officers are encouraged by Shields' openness to try new strategies in the city's six patrol zones.

"I think this is the time to really roll the dice. I'm truly humbled to have been given this opportunity," Shields was quoted as saying.

Shields was appointed by Mayor Kasim Reed on Dec. 1 after the retirement of former Police Chief George Turner on Dec. 31.

Shields inherits a city with several pressing issues, including gas station robberies.

In a news release last week, she hit on what her priorities would be for the city: “This is a time of change at the Atlanta Police Department and I am confident that my new appointments and promotions will bring fresh ideas to the table and these commanders will continue our No. 1 mission which is to reduce crime in the city of Atlanta."

During her tenure, Shields has held several high-ranking positions at the Atlanta Police Department. Her 21-year career includes stints in the Office of Professional Standards as sergeant,, the City’s Law Department and Zone 4 evening watch commander as a lieutenant.

Image via Facebook / Atlanta PD