Erika Shields ready to lead Buffalo Police Department

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Erika Shields, Buffalo's new police commissioner, knows what she knows ....and what she doesn't know.

That's why, in one of her first actions as commissioner, Shields appointed three long time police department veterans to key upper level positions.

Named:

* Interim commissioner W. Craig Macy was appointed to the second highest post in the department - First Deputy Commissioner of Operations.

"It was important to me that Craig stayed on," Shields said.

* District C Chief Thelma Jones was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Operations.

* Chief Andre Lloyd Sr, was named to replace Jones as District C Chief. District C covers a large portion of Buffalo's East Side.

"I want people of character and integrity," Shields said. "I want people who know how to deal with people."

Shields was officially sworn in on May 4th in a private ceremony. She was selected following a national search that identified 40 candidates.

Previously police commissioner in Atlanta and Louisville, Shields, who is being paid $250,000 annually, came to Buffalo from the private sector.

"Hers is a keystone appointment," said Mayor Sean Ryan.

Shields is taking over a department with more than 900 employees include 820 officers.

One of the biggest issues facing Shields almost immediately will be negotiating a new contract covering the officers and employees. Talks will be tough given Buffalo's fiscal issues.

"I'm a firm believer we can get this done," Shields said. "But, it may take some time."

In the more immediate, Shields wants to upgrade the department's training programs, find ways to land more police recruits and just learn all about Buffalo.

Shields has already met with some rank-and-file officers and members of the Buffalo Common Council. She has also met, briefly, with Erie County Sheriff John Garcia,

"If I had my druthers, I go out in a (police) car every day just to learn the city and want the officers want," Shields said.

Shields said she also puts a premium on transparency.

"I enjoy being candid and answering questions," Shields said. "This is not an 'us vs. them' scenario, But, I also understand people react different in different situations."