Chief Williams Lansdowne retires, Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman promoted

Just one day after Chief William Lansdowne announced he was stepping down from his role at the San Diego Police Department,  mayor-elect Kevin Faulconer named his replacement.

Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman will step into the role effective Monday.

Zimmerman is not only a 31-year veteran of the force, she's the city's first-ever female police chief.

Faulconer said he's confident in the appointment, noting her years of experience and familiarity with the needs of the department.  Not only can she make sure the best and brightest are recruited into the ranks, she understands the needs of the city.

Zimmerman grateful for the chance to lead the SDPD

The new chief will have her hands full in the upcoming weeks, as an outside auditor will be hired to investigate allegations of officer misconduct.

Zimmerman reportedly said that while she understands the accusations are directed toward a few bad apples, that 99.9 percent of officers serve each day with honesty, professionalism and valor.

Not only does she fully support the audit, she has made it clear that this type of conduct will not be tolerated on her watch.

Although many have been abuzz about having a new, strong leader at the helm, what's not being discussed is that the new chief will need to retire in just four years.

Tenure will be short, but sweet

A recently sign pension agreement requires she step down from the department before March 1, 2018.   Sources close to the department say it is binding and cannot be reversed.

A spokesperson for Faulconer reportedly said the soon-to-be-mayor was aware of the pension agreement before he made the nomination.

The new chief was born in Ohio and received a degree in criminal justice from Ohio State University.  She later graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Since joining the SDPD in 1982 she's worked in a number of leadership roles and has held positions in vice, narcotics, worked as a field lieutenant and in internal affairs.

When she's not wearing her badge, she participates in triathlons.

The San Diego Police Officers Association said they fully support her nomination and feel she's an excellent choice to lead the department moving forward.