New Durham Police Chief Cerelyn Davis held her first press conference Monday since being named to the position.

Davis, who goes by CJ, has been a member of the Atlanta Police Department for the last 28 years, where she rose in the ranks from patrol officer to deputy chief.

Davis focused her comments Monday on the violent crime situation in Durham.

“I will continue to work very closely with this administration, department officials and the leadership of the Durham Police Department to begin addressing the alarming increase in violent crime over the past twelve months,” said Davis.

While taking questions from media, she spoke about the strained relationship between communities and police departments.

“Across the country, police agencies struggle with repairing fractured community relationships and the lack of trust,” said Davis.

Davis said community policing and strong relationships with community members are ways the department could improve relations.

She also said she herself would be out on the streets and active in the community.

“Well I was very visible in Atlanta, but I see myself being more visible here, I see the need to be more visible here,” said Davis.

Even before she starts as chief, Davis was asked what she wanted her legacy to be.

“I feel that my legacy here should be one of inclusion, one of change for a positive direction, one of strong committed relationships with the community we serve,” said Davis.

Durham has been looking for a new police chief since Chief Jose Lopez was asked to step down last year after a spike in violent crime in the city.

Davis will start June 6 and will earn $150,000 a year salary.

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