Lt. Richard Allen is new Gary Chief of Police

Lt. Richard Allen appointed new Gary Police Chief

Contributed By:The 411 News

Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson appointed Lt. Richard Allen as the new Gary Police Chief after the resignation of Chief Larry McKinley.

In appointing Allen, Freeman-Wilson said, “Richard Allen has risen through the ranks of the Gary Police Department and has seen all aspects of the department. His knowledge and expertise should serve him well as the new Chief and should equip him to lead.”

Lt. Allen is a 23 year veteran of the Gary Police Department, having worked in Patrol, Community Policing, and Crime Scene Investigations. He has also served the department as a supervisor in Auto Detail and the Internal Affairs Division as well as a Commander over the Supportive Services Division.

Allen is a 1983 graduate of Roosevelt High School and served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1983-1987.

In response to his appointment, Allen stated, “I am honored to serve the citizens of Gary and the men and women of the Gary Police Department. I look forward to working with a dedicated team to enhance camaraderie among the members of the department, work with other city staff and increase police and community trust among those who live in and visit this community.”

The Mayor noted that “Chief McKinley has ably served this department. I respect his decision to look to the future as he closes in on the 20 year mark with the Gary Police Department. His care for crime victims and their families, work to incorporate data into policing as well as the relationship he has built with the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Department of Justice Diagnostic Center have positioned us to take the Gary Police Department to the next level. The city of Gary will be forever indebted to Chief McKinley for his service.”

McKinley will remain with the Gary Police Department in a capacity that is yet to be determined. Upon his resignation, McKinley stated, “I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to lead the men and women of the Gary Police Department. I look forward to seeing the department move forward.”

McKinley’s resignation is effective, Monday, January 8, 2017.

Allen was sworn in Monday at 9:30 a.m. in City Hall. He is expected to name a Deputy Chief and his command staff shortly after being sworn in.

Story Posted:01/09/2018