melanie bevin is now in charge of tackling crime. take a look. in the city that saw an increase in murders last year and a recent spike in violent crimes as well. rodney joins us live with how she plans to keep the city >> reporter: an air of confidence from the newly named police chief melanie bevin. >> i am honor and excited to have been selected by the mayor to be the next chief of the city of bradenton police department. >> reporter: the announcement comes as the city sees a surge in violence. just last week, 38-year-old carl tuxford gunned down in broad daylight. it's a trend that continues from last year when the city saw a rise in homicides. bevin says she is ready for the challenge. >> i've got a lot of ideas. but like i said, i think it would be irresponsible to come in and say we're going to do this and this and this without seeing what really works and what might work best. >> reporter: she has a long history in law enforcement starting back in '86, eventually rising to assistant chief. her experience makes her a perfect fit. >> she go

melanie bevin will take the top spot in bradenton. the announcement was just made. rodney. >> reporter: well, that's right, jamison. this is a historic decision by the police department. she becomes the first female police chief in this department's history and comes with a wealth of experience. now, she has been with the st. petersburg police department since 1986 and has risen through the ranks to become the assistant police chief. she told us in the press conference this afternoon that she believes her work with the saint petersberg police department will serve her well as she tries to clean up the streets in bradenton. she has an impressive background both in law enforcement and education. she has a masters and a doctorate degree in education. and the mayor says that bevin's >> i will tell you that i'm not -- i'm not a proponent of change for the sake of change. i think this community and this police department deserves the opportunity for me to simply come in and get to know the people, the place. >> reporter: and this announcement comes at a very tricky time f