ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany State University has appointed Assistant Chief Tatotshia Grier as interim chief of its Department of Police and Public Safety, effective Nov. 1.

The university announced the appointment as it prepares for the departure of Chief Anita Allen, thanking Allen for her service and contributions to campus safety and security across all three of the university’s campus locations.

ASU leadership said campus safety and security remain a top priority and expressed confidence in continuing progress in campus policing, security and law enforcement under Grier’s leadership.

Allen is leaving Albany State to become the first-ever police chief for the City of Mableton, Georgia, where she will lead efforts to establish the city’s new police department.

In previous coverage, WALB spoke with Allen about her historic new role and her law enforcement career, which included service with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office and leadership at Fort Valley State University before she joined Albany State.

Allen described her departure from Albany State as bittersweet, expressing her appreciation for the university’s students and the relationships built during her tenure.

Previous coverage: Building From the Ground Up: Chief Anita Allen takes on historic new role

Albany State said it looks forward to continuing its work to strengthen safety and security across its campuses and center under Grier’s interim leadership.

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