Buffalo Mayor's Police Commissioner Pick Faces Skepticism from Council

Erika Shields' appointment lacks full support due to concerns over proposed salary increase

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:34am

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A photorealistic painting of the Buffalo City Hall building, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the facade and surrounding grounds, conveying a sense of civic gravity and political tension.The stately Buffalo City Hall stands as a backdrop to the ongoing political debate over the city's next police commissioner.Buffalo Today

Erika Shields, Mayor Byron Brown's pick for Buffalo Police Commissioner, has been meeting with various community groups to discuss her vision for the department. However, her appointment is facing skepticism from some members of the Common Council, who are concerned about the proposed increase in the commissioner's salary from $175,000 to $250,000.

Why it matters

The police commissioner's role is crucial in setting the tone and direction for the Buffalo Police Department, which has faced scrutiny over issues like use of force and community relations. The Common Council's approval is required, so Shields' ability to gain their trust and support will be key to her success in the position.

The details

Shields said she has been meeting with Council members, faith groups, community organizations, and police union officials over the past week to build support. But at least one Council member, Joseph Golombek of the North District, has already indicated he will vote against confirming Shields due to the proposed salary increase, which he calls "egregious" given the city's median income of $35,000. Sources suggest there could be as many as 4 Council members who may not support Shields' appointment at this time, though the vote is still fluid.

  • Erika Shields was appointed as Buffalo Police Commissioner by Mayor Byron Brown on April 10, 2026.
  • Shields met with the media on April 15, 2026 to discuss her vision for the department.

The players

Erika Shields

Erika Shields is Mayor Byron Brown's pick to serve as the next Buffalo Police Commissioner. She has been meeting with various community groups to build support for her appointment.

Joseph Golombek

Joseph Golombek is a member of the Buffalo Common Council representing the North District. He has indicated he will vote against confirming Shields as police commissioner due to concerns over the proposed salary increase.

Byron Brown

Byron Brown is the Mayor of Buffalo, who appointed Erika Shields as the next police commissioner.

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What they’re saying

“It's been fantastic. It's been enlightening.”

— Erika Shields, Buffalo Police Commissioner Nominee

“I let them know that I was going to be a no vote for the simple fact that I cannot support the salary going from $175,000 to $250,000.”

— Joseph Golombek, North District Council Member

“The median income is about $35,000 and I think that it is egregious to take the salary of the commissioner and go from $170K to $250K, that's a salary increase, a raise of almost double the median income of my neighborhood, my black rock Riverside neighborhood.”

— Joseph Golombek, North District Council Member

What’s next

The Common Council will need to vote on whether to confirm Erika Shields as the next Buffalo Police Commissioner. The vote is currently not locked down, with sources indicating there could be as many as 4 Council members opposed to the appointment due to the proposed salary increase.

The takeaway

Erika Shields' appointment as Buffalo's next police commissioner faces an uphill battle, as she must win over skeptical members of the Common Council who are concerned about the significant proposed increase in the commissioner's salary. Her ability to address these concerns and build trust with the Council and community will be crucial to her success in the role.