In May of 2016, the city of Decatur made a change that would prove to be a big step for the community. The city hired a new police chief.
“My plan right now is to get to know the community,” said Chief Nate Allen in 2016. “Get to know the police department, and bring the police department and the community together more in a more transparent way.”
Since his first day in the office, Allen has done exactly that.
Sergeant Heather Atchley says, “He wants to hear from the residents of Decatur. He listens to all complaints and opinions with sincerity.”
Chief Allen has put more focus on events like Breakfast with the Chief and National Night Out.
He has also been intentional about creating more diversity in his department. “The police department should reflect the community that they serve. I think that really helps keep down some of the tension,” he says.
Chief Allen says it takes dedication and a calling to be a police officer. “They say I always carried a badge around as a small person, as a small kid. Maybe it was just a calling back then.”
That calling has lead to more than 30 years of experience and leading a department with a fresh approach to policing. “All changes and additions to the department Chief Allen has made have benefited the citizens of Decatur tremendously,” says Atchley. “His community efforts have gone far and beyond any that I’ve experienced since I’ve been here at the police department.”
With more training for officers, more ways for the community to get involved, and more tools like Narcan, Chief Nate Allen is creating a bright future for Decatur Police.
“The goal is simple. Do the right thing and treat others like you want to be treated.”