New Chief excited to lead Smithfield City Police Department

New Smithfield City Police Department Chief, Travis Allen is excited about his new position. He has been leading the department officially for three weeks, replacing former chief Johnny McCoy, who was asked to resign in September 2014.

Allen was born in Millville and graduated from Mountain Crest High School. He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement after working with officers as a tow truck driver.

“I went through the Bridgerland Applied Technology College Police Academy in 2001,” said Allen. “I started doing the part-time reserve work for Logan City, right out of the academy and I was there for about 18-months, before I was offered a full time position with Smithfield City.”

Allen said the department averages between 3,500 and 5,000 calls a year. Many of the complaints are residential type issues like fraud and domestic problems.

“Most of it is crimes of opportunity. The suspects will go by and check door handles or car handles. If it’s open, they’ll rummage through the car or go into the garage or the house and a lot of times if it’s locked up they’ll just move on.

“We don’t see a lot of smash and grab type entries. Most of it is just like I said, they will check, and if it’s unlocked they’ll go through it.”

Allen said if he could ask for the community’s help, it would be for residents to call police if they see anything suspicious.

“We are staffed 24/7. We have guys here and that is what we are here for. If you see something that raises suspicion or alarm, please call. We really want to work with our community because they are our eyes and ears out there. They help us out a lot so we want to be there for them.”

The department has a staff of fifteen people, 9 full-time officers, one public employee and four reserve officers.

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