Community leaders optimistic after meeting incoming Buffalo Police Commissioner

Erika Shields is set to start as Buffalo's new police commissioner in May if confirmed by the common council.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:25am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary police car parked on a dimly lit urban street, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the potential for change.As Buffalo prepares to welcome a new police commissioner, the city's residents hope for a new era of community-oriented policing and improved relations between law enforcement and local neighborhoods.Buffalo Today

Community leaders in Buffalo say they are feeling encouraged after meeting with the city's incoming police commissioner, Erika Shields, expressing confidence in her leadership ahead of her official start. Pastor James Giles of Back to Basics Ministry, who was involved in the hiring process, said the group left the meeting with a strong sense of optimism about Shields' approach to key issues like community engagement, police training, and the department's relationship with the union.

Why it matters

The selection of a new police commissioner is a critical decision for Buffalo as the city looks to improve relations between law enforcement and the community, particularly in light of the department's history of tensions. Shields' ability to connect with local leaders and address their concerns will be crucial to rebuilding trust and driving reforms.

The details

According to Giles, Shields impressed community representatives with her approach to several key issues, including engagement with neighborhood groups, police training practices, union relationships, and the use of technology within the department. Giles also noted that Shields appeared well-prepared when addressing Buffalo's history, particularly regarding past tensions between the police department and the community.

  • Shields is set to start as Buffalo's new police commissioner in May if confirmed by the common council.

The players

Erika Shields

The incoming police commissioner of Buffalo, New York.

James Giles

Pastor of Back to Basics Ministry and a member of the group involved in the hiring process for the new police commissioner.

NAACP Buffalo Branch

A community organization that was represented in the meeting with the incoming police commissioner.

Stop the Violence Coalition

A community organization that was represented in the meeting with the incoming police commissioner.

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What they’re saying

“We all kind of left there feeling really good about the choice that was made.”

— James Giles, Pastor of Back to Basics Ministry

“She, above all of the six candidates that we ended up interviewing—that we weeded out the others—there were 40 applicants, she was on the top.”

— James Giles, Pastor of Back to Basics Ministry

“She does know some of Buffalo's history—she did her own research about the typical racist things that have went on in the department—and so she was equipped and ready to answer those questions.”

— James Giles, Pastor of Back to Basics Ministry

“All of us were impressed with her presentation—we believe it's going to represent hope.”

— James Giles, Pastor of Back to Basics Ministry

What’s next

The common council will vote on whether to confirm Erika Shields as Buffalo's new police commissioner in May.

The takeaway

The selection of Erika Shields as Buffalo's new police commissioner has generated optimism among community leaders, who believe her approach and commitment to addressing the department's history of tensions with the community could help rebuild trust and drive much-needed reforms.