COLUMBUS, Ohio — After months of deliberation, Columbus made history naming Detroit assistant police chief Elaine Bryant as the new chief of the Columbus Division of Police.

“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I announce Elaine Bryant as our City's next chief of police,” said Mayor Andrew Ginther at a press conference on Wednesday. “She is a transformational leader with sound judgment and considerable experience, an effective advocate for change whose actions are rooted in compassion, empathy and engagement with those whom she serves and leads. I am confident that she is the right leader at the right time for the City of Columbus.”

Bryant is the city's first Black female police chief and was selected after a national search from a pool of 34 applicants. She is the first external candidate to lead the 1,900-officer department. She's the city’s second female and the second Black police chief. 

Bryant has been with the Detroit police department since 2000 and has held several positions in the agency, including commander over the agency’s major crimes unit. Officials said in her application, she promoted her skills in several areas, including community relations, emergency preparedness, strong administrative background, investigative and proactive policing.

Bryant said she hopes her experience and background will bring perspective and empathy to the position.

“Those conversations and being able to bridge the gap between the community and police are going to be important,” she said. “Its not always about going to a situation and arresting someone, you have to look behind the reason you're there in the first place. Is there an underlining issue that could be resolved?"

Her official start date has not been announced but Bryant said she plans to hit the ground running.

She plans to spend her first day with officers on the ground and stresses the need to build trust both inside and outside of the department.

“Our first order of business needs to be trust,” Bryant said. “I need to earn their trust and together we need to rebuild the trust of our community, because without trust and cooperation we can’t build anything. We need that to tackle the biggest challenges that are facing this great city right now.”

Bryant was among four finalists for the position.

The other candidates were Dallas Assistant Chief Avery Moore, Dallas Assistant Chief Derrick Diggs and Fort Meyers Police Chief Ivonne Roman. Diggs was removed as a candidate for the position before Bryant was selected.

Roman tweeted her congratulations Tuesday to Bryant.

“Sending a BIG CONGRATS to Detroit’s Deputy Chief Elaine Bryant on being selected as the next Columbus, OH Police Chief. She was stellar during the town hall and the residents of Columbus are lucky to have her,” she tweeted.

This was the second national search for a new chief in just over two years for the department.

Over the past year, Columbus has held numerous protests asking for change and reform within the police department. Prior to selecting Bryant, Ginther said Columbus needs a “change agent” to alter the department's culture.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Bryant stressed the importance of working to root out systematic issues within the department and around the community, saying that change would be necessary.

“This team, we are going to be hands-on and involved to make sure that all the voices in this community count,” Bryant said. “I want them to be a part of change. I am going to be open and available and they will absolutely be a part of our change.”

The department is also under scrutiny for recent fatal shootings of Black people by white officers, including the death of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant on April 20.

Earlier this month, the city agreed to pay $10 million to the family of Andre Hill, a 47-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by former Officer Adam Coy as Hill walked out of a garage holding a cell phone. It’s the largest civil settlement in Columbus history.

Coy, who is white, was fired after the shooting and has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and reckless homicide in the Dec. 22 death of Hill. 

Bryant spoke to the growing homicide rate in Columbus, saying the city needs more youth programs targeted to help kids and their families.

The community response to Bryant's selection as the city's new top cop has been positive.

Spiritual leader, Bishop Timothy Clarke, said he looks forward to working with Bryant to bring positive outlets to the community.

“I know many of my colleagues, brothers and sisters in ministry will be excited and willing to open their doors,” Clarke said. “I think that will be an easy piece to accomplish.”