Outgoing Henderson Police Chief Glen Allen
The following interview was conducted yesterday in the office of Henderson Police Chief Glen Allen after the chief tendered his resignation from his postion at City Hall earlier in the day.
Allen’s resignation came after the news of his being named Chief of the Clayton Police Department was released by Town of Clayton. A copy of that press release may be viewed here.
HIH: Have you accepted the Chief of Police position in Clayton?
Allen: I have been offered the position and I have accepted it. I have also submitted my resignation for early September.
HIH: When is your last day?
Allen: September 7, 2006. I will be taking personal leave sometime in late August.
HIH: Do you know who your successor is likely to be?
Allen: No.
HIH: Is there anyone you would like to see in the position?
Allen: I hope that any internal candidates will be given a fair look.
HIH: Why are you leaving?
Allen: To take a job in Clayton. At this point in my career, Clayton provides professional opportunities for further development and is a good personal choice for my family. Clayton is a really growing municipality. In fact, the fastest growing in Johnston County, which is one of North Carolina’s fastest growing counties as well. Dozens of residental and business interests are relocating to Clayton on a weekly basis which strongly supports their economic vitality.
HIH: How do you feel about leaving the top law enforcement job in your hometown? I’m sure many saw it as a final career move rather than an intermediate one.
Allen: I came to Henderson as my hometown and Henderson will always be my hometown. I have a special love for Henderson. I was approached by the town of Clayton about the position. I was very impressed with the town and its professional management, and it led to further conversations and an offer that was a good one to accept at this point in my life.
HIH: Your relationship with the current city council can be described as strained, especially during the debate over the City Manager’s vehicle use policy. Did this play a part in your decision to go?
Allen: Not just the vehicle use policy. I believe that every elected official and the City Manager truly want to serve Henderson’s best interests. However, the fact that there is a great deal of division among the council is obviously a consideration of any department head. It’s a totality of circumstances that tend to make this the right thing to do at the right time.
HIH: It seems your departure is coming at at time when you were getting more favorable public comments from the council, such as those that came after Budget Amendment 4 and the public apology made by Henderson City Council member Bobby Gupton. Do you feel that you’re leaving prematurely?
Allen: I thought it was nice that he [Gupton] did that, and I certainly respect his opinions, as I do all members of the council. I don’t think there’s any one or two incidents or conditions that resulted in me making this move.
HIH: Jerry Moss has stated that you will not play a role in the search for a new police chief. Would you like to play a role in the search?
Allen: If asked for advice, I’d be glad to provide it. However, the selection of a department head is clearly the responsibility of a city manager. He may choose to use or not whatever resources he prefers.
HIH: There is always a lot of discussion on Home in Henderson about Henderson Police Department morale. How do you think a change in chiefs will affect morale?
Allen: I have met with the staff. Members of this department are professionals. The structure and organization is well-established to ensure appropriate command and continued accountability after my departure and until a new chief is appointed. I expect every member of this department will continue doing their jobs to the best of their abilities.
At the end of the interview, Allen added:
“I’ll really miss Henderson and I’ll miss the members of this police department dearly.”
The chief gave Home in Henderson a list of what he considered successes during his near nine-year tenure as well as some things that he wishes had gone better. That list may be viewed here.
In a telephone interview with City Manager Jerry Moss, the manager stated that he was sorry to see the chief go and that he wished him well.
Moss stated that he had not decided how Allen would be replaced. He did, however, confirm that he would be responsible for the hiring of the new chief.
“I will talk to the council to determine what kind of person they think we need to be looking for,” Moss said.
The city manager said that the process would begin in a week or so.
Moss indicated that Allen would not play a role in the selection process, since he would be on vacation for two weeks of his remaining time on the job.
Moss stated that there would be an interim chief, but at this point, he did not know who that would be.