Nationwide — Dr. Anita Allen, an African American woman, is making history as she has been named the first police chief of Mableton, Georgia, as the Metro Atlanta city prepares to launch its own police department for the first time ever. The Mableton City Council voted Tuesday night unanimously to appoint Allen, who will lead the effort to build the department before it becomes fully operational in 2027.
She has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety leadership across Georgia. She most recently led the Albany State University Police Department. Her career has also included work in emergency planning, coordination between law enforcement agencies, and public safety workforce management.
Her appointment comes as Mableton prepares to establish an independent police force, according to WSB-TV. The city announced the plan in June while officials negotiated law enforcement services with Cobb County. In August, Mableton expanded the role of Public Safety Director Dr. Kerry Stallings, who also serves as the city’s emergency services director, as preparations for the new department continued.
The city expects to hire 70 sworn officers and 10 civilian employees. Mableton also released a pay scale Tuesday that lists a starting salary of $66,000 for police officers. The hiring process will be an important part of building the department and getting it ready to serve residents.
City leaders said Allen’s experience made her a strong choice to lead the new agency. Stallings pointed to her background in public safety and working with different agencies. Mayor Michael Owens also highlighted her experience with community-focused policing and said she has the skills needed to build a modern and accountable police force for Mableton.
Allen is expected to begin her new position in the coming weeks. She said she was honored to become the city’s first police chief. She added, “Building a police department is a profound responsibility, and my priority will be establishing a culture of integrity, transparent communication, and dedicated service.” Mableton is currently targeting June 1, 2027, for the police department to become fully operational as the city moves toward having its own municipal law enforcement agency.