Dr. Anita Allen has been appointed the first police chief of Mableton, Georgia, as the Metro Atlanta city prepares to establish its own municipal police department.
The Mableton City Council unanimously approved Allen’s appointment in a 7-0 vote on October 6, marking a significant step in the city’s plans to build an independent law enforcement agency. She brings more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety leadership.
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Allen most recently served as chief of police at Albany State University, where she oversaw campus safety, emergency management, emergency dispatch and criminal investigations across three campuses. Her career also includes service as public safety director and police chief at Fort Valley State University, as well as 12 years with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office.
She also made history as the first African American woman to serve as president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police during the 2025–2026 leadership term. She serves on the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and has held leadership responsibilities with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens said selecting the city’s first police chief was one of the most important decisions in shaping its future. He highlighted Allen’s operational experience and commitment to community-centred policing as important assets in establishing the new department.
Allen said she was honoured to take on the responsibility and pledged to build an agency grounded in integrity, transparent communication and public service.
“Building a police department is a profound responsibility, and my priority will be establishing a culture of integrity, transparent communication, and dedicated service,” Allen said.
The city plans to recruit approximately 70 sworn officers and 10 civilian employees as it prepares to take over policing responsibilities from Cobb County. The new department is targeted to become fully operational on June 1, 2027.
The transition comes as Mableton works to establish its own approach to public safety. While city officials have advanced the plan, some residents have expressed reservations about creating a separate police force rather than continuing to rely on Cobb County’s services.
Allen is expected to lead the department’s development, including its staffing and operational preparations, ahead of the planned launch.
