ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The City of Mableton has its first police chief after a city council vote Tuesday night.

The City of Mableton tapped Dr. Anita Allen, the current police chief at Albany State University, for the job.

 Dr. Allen is widely recognized for her visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and dedication to building strong, trusting relationships across campus and throughout the broader community,  the city said.

Allen promised her priorities would center on transparency and trust.

 I want to bridge the gap, have community policing, have officers that can come out to the six districts to be able to have a relationship with our community, and so they can trust us, be heard, feel valued,  said Allen.  Your voice will be heard. We're going to treat you with integrity and fairness, and we're going to give you the utmost respect. 

 Let's get to work,  said Allen.

Over the summer, some residents expressed opposition to a new police department and said they would rather the city rely solely on Cobb County for public safety services.

The city reached an intergovernmental agreement that runs through June 1, 2027, at which point public safety will be handed over to the newly created Mableton Police Department.

The department is hiring 70 officers and 10 civilian positions. It is offering competitive pay, holidays, a take-home car and front-loaded PTO upon hire. Salaries are based on years of experience and education level.

Since applications opened Oct. 1, the city has had more than 1,500 applicants, according to officials.

 I'm looking for these officers with integrity and professionalism, have a compassion to serve, and also be able to come in and build relationships and bridge the gap in the community,  said Allen.

Officials said they acknowledge that change can be an adjustment and recognize that not everyone might be on board.

 I understand that it's new and it is okay. It is okay to feel uncomfortable, but we're going to show you. We're going to have a stellar, beautiful, strong community engagement police department. We're going to come out. We're goi

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