Deputy Chief Erika Shields joined the Atlanta Police Department in 1995. During her tenure she has served as a Patrol Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Major prior to her appointment to Deputy Chief. She currently serves as the Deputy Chief of the Strategy and Special Projects Division.
Deputy Chief Shields worked as a beat officer and in a plain clothes assignment in Zone Three for approximately eight years. The plain clothes assignment involved conducting multiple search warrants, narcotics and vice details, and investigating robberies.
As a Sergeant, Deputy Shields was initially assigned to Zone 4 and then transitioned to the Office of Professional Standards. During her time in the Office of Professional Standards she conducted Internal Affairs investigations before moving to the Advocacy Unit. As a member of the Advocacy Unit she liaised with the Law Department in reviewing and presenting disciplinary files to the Chief of Police.After attaining the rank of Lieutenant she was assigned to Zone 4, where she served as the Evening Watch Commander. Her next assignment was as the Commander of the department’s Planning and Research/Accreditation Unit, which develops and implements all departmental policies and facilitates the CALEA accreditation process; the Staff Inspections Unit, which oversees all of the inspections associated with the re-accreditation process; and the Extra Job Unit, which is responsible for the oversight of outside employment for employees. In January 2010, Deputy Chief Shields was appointed to the rank of Major and was the executive officer to the Chief of Police, managing the daily activities of the Chief’s office. On August 16th 2011, Deputy Chief Shields was appointed to the rank of Deputy Chief to command the new Strategy and Special Projects Division. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Webster University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University.