ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Anita Allen is leaving her role leading the police department at Albany State University (ASU) to become the City of Mableton’s first police chief.

Allen spoke about the move during an interview with Quinlan Parker on “What’s Going On.”

Allen started her law enforcement career at the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. She said she was working as an office manager at Gale Installation when the job closed, and her father told her about an opening at the sheriff’s office.

“I just enjoyed the work that I was doing and still being able to serve in the capacity that I was, even though I was at the jail,” Allen said. “And as I learned throughout my tenure there, being able to become an investigator, working in the community, and I just fell more in love with it then.”

Allen later worked in higher education, serving as police chief at Fort Valley State University before moving to Albany State University, where she has led the department for nearly a decade.

Mableton’s contract with Cobb County services ends in June of 2027. As a result, the Mableton Police Department is hiring 70 officers and 10 civilian positions. Applications opened Oct. 1, and the department has received more than 1,500 applicants so far.

Allen said the opportunity to lead Mableton’s first police department presented itself to her.

“I’m excited for the citizens of Mableton. And I’m excited about building this police department,” Allen said.

She credited Mayor Owens and Director Stallings with a vision for a department that serves the community “with excellence, professionalism, and integrity.”

Allen said she plans to focus on building relationships with the community, the school system, and senior residents in addition to enforcing the law.

“I can’t wait to hear their voices and what their concerns are and how I can be an agent for change and help them in a way,” she said.

Allen described her departure from ASU as bittersweet.

“I love my students. I love the unsinkable Albany State University,” she said. “We have some beautiful young individuals at Albany State University that are thriving.”

Allen said she hopes the relationship her team has built with students continues after she leaves.

Her message to Albany State students: “I just want you guys to know that I love you so very much. I know it’s bittersweet, but this is a new opportunity for me and I believe I’m destined for it. But I want you to continue to be great, continue to thrive, be well and do well, get your work, make the good grades because I want you to graduate and be successful.”

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X. For more south Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.