Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

READ: Atlanta Police Chief Shields’ statement upon resigning

In this Dec. 1, 2016, photo Deputy Chief Erika Shields is named Atlanta's 24th chief of police at City Hall, replacing George Turner who was retiring. Shields joined the Atlanta Police Department in 1995. "I am truly humbled, honored and grateful for this opportunity you have afforded me," she said following the announcement of her appointment. (Photo: JOHN SPINK /JSPINK@AJC.COM)

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

In this Dec. 1, 2016, photo Deputy Chief Erika Shields is named Atlanta's 24th chief of police at City Hall, replacing George Turner who was retiring. Shields joined the Atlanta Police Department in 1995. "I am truly humbled, honored and grateful for this opportunity you have afforded me," she said following the announcement of her appointment. (Photo: JOHN SPINK /JSPINK@AJC.COM)
June 13, 2020

The Atlanta Police Department released this statement Saturday evening from Police Chief Erika Shields, whose resignation was announced at a news conference by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

"For more than two decades, I have served alongside some of the finest men and women in the Atlanta Police Department. Out of a deep and abiding love for this City and this department, I offered to step aside as police chief. APD has my full support, and Mayor Bottoms has my support on the future direction of this department. I have faith in the Mayor, and it is time for the city to move forward and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve."

» READ MORE: Erika Shields steps aside after 3½ years as APD chief

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