New DPD Chief strives for violence reduction, community connections

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Brad Allen has done a little bit of everything in his time at the Decatur Police Department. In his 27 years, he's served in a leadership capacity in each of the three divisions (investigations, administration, and patrol) at DPD.

On Monday, Allen was announced as the new police chief of Decatur.

Aside from his four years at ISU, Allen has always lived in Decatur. He also always wanted to be a police officer.

"It might sound cliché, but I think this is a calling," said Allen. "My dad spent 28 years on the Decatur firefighter so I grew up in a service family. My dad did public service so I knew that would be my route with policing."

Allen has seen a significant number of changes since he started at the department in 1998. The most glaring change is the technology that police departments use to expedite investigations and ensure accuracy.

But he's also seen changes in the expectations Decatur citizens have from DPD.

"We have to adapt to the changing times and how we police what the community expects, how we answer what the community demands of us," said Allen. "We work for the community and with the community."

Collaborating with the community is one of Allen's top priorities as he steps up the lead the department. While he values the way the community supports the department, he says there's always room for better connections with the people they serve.

"We need to listen to what their concerns are and what their voices are and work with them on issues," said Allen. " The community is the best partner in crime fighting, There's 150 police officers and 70,000 residents but we can't be everywhere all the time."

Allen knows recruitment and retention have been points of difficulty for the department for some time. He plans to continue to prioritize efforts to fill out ranks of the department.

He also plans to continue the momentum the current administration is making to reduce violence and ensure the community's safety.

Allen will take over as Chief when Shane Brandel retires on May 10th.