Erika Shields

In an age when police brutality and excessive force dominate the news cycle, the gap between law enforcement and the communities they are responsible for can seem insurmountable. But for Erika Shields, chief of the City of Atlanta Police Department, police are very much a part of the diverse communities they serve. “We are privy to the unique inner workings of multiple different and distinct cultures, religions, backgrounds, and sub-groups,” she tells GO. “To be effective, we need to navigate these communities with awareness and empathy, while simultaneously ensuring that critical law enforcement efforts are being executed at a high level.” Since her appointment in 2016, Shields has made her community-based approach part of the Department’s mission. She is invested in a zero-tolerance policy for police abuse and expects her officers to practice compassion and understanding for the people they serve. This means working in collaboration with locals through projects like the Police Athletic League, which gives local youth and officers a chance to interact socially in a positive manner. Still, Shields is aware of the multiple fronts that police are tasked with, encompassing everything from drugs to socioeconomic inequality, homelessness, and mental health issues. The task can seem overwhelming, especially when everyone has an opinion about what police should and shouldn’t be allowed to do. “We are directing our officers to police fairly and impartially at a time when our country could not be more divided and confrontational,” she says. “But you know what? We are going to get it right.” —RK