DURHAM — The city sometimes recognized as the murder capital of the Triangle took a major step Tuesday to erase that stigma. Teresa Chambers was sworn in Tuesday as Durham's new chief of police, replacing Jackie McNeill, who stepped down last year.

Chambers has immediate plans to alleviate the Bull City's often negative image.

Chambers officially took over as chief at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, but she showed up for her first official visit to the office earlier in the day. She is just beginning to meet her staff, but already has a vision for the department.

She's taken a ride through the Bull City, and is already getting feedback on a number of levels. Chambers says she's impressed by the citizens of Durham and the way the care about their community, as do the police officers and the media. It seems everyone wants to give Durham a better name and improve morale in the police department.

Teresa Chambers will become the first female police chief of a major North Carolina city at the official swearing in ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Carolina Theater. Every police chief in the state has been invited to attend. More than 300 people are expected.

Chambers' appointment is not without controversy. Police sources told WRAL that threats have been communicated to the police department . Special security officers were on hand at Tuesday's ceremony.

Chambers told WRAL she spent time yesterday qualifying at the shooting range, and although she didn't score 100%, she did pass. andBrian Shrader