New Atlanta police chief tackles spiraling murder rate
When she was named Atlanta’s 24th police chief, Erika Shields was given a mandate from Mayor Kasim Reed: Get a handle on the city’s spiraling murder rate.
For three straight years, the number of homicides had risen in Atlanta. In 2016, for the first time in nearly a decade, Atlanta topped the century mark in murders.
So Shields -- in what amounts to an audition for Atlanta’s next mayor -- made some big changes in operations and focus.
Halfway through her first year, the stats tell a compelling story on whether those changes have worked.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
