MABELTON, GA — The city of Mableton has selected its first police chief as it prepares to establish its own police department.

Mayor Michael Owens and the Mableton City Council unanimously approved Dr. Anita Allen to lead the city’s police force. Allen has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement and most recently served as police chief at Albany State University.

Allen has also served as president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.

“We have our inaugural police chief, congratulations Dr. Allen. Chief Allen,” Owens said following the 7-0 vote.

Allen said she plans to prioritize community safety while building relationships with residents.

“I am committed to ensuring that we provide the necessary police efforts to maintain and enhance community safety and always treat the citizens with dignity and fairness,” Allen said.

“Together we will continue building a community rooted in trust, mutual respect, and service,” she added.

Mableton decided in June to establish its own police department. The city currently pays Cobb County $13 million for police services.

The agreement with Cobb County expires in less than a year, giving Mableton that time to finalize its own police force.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Keith Cromwell contributed to this story.