Allen Police Chief Brian Harvey is hanging up his holster come February 1, 2024, after a respectable 12-year tenure overseeing the force. Appointed as Allen’s fifth top cop on February 7, 2012, Harvey previously hung up his badge as a Deputy Chief with the Dallas Police Department, bringing a total of 32 years of experience to the table, according to the City of Allen.
The city's bigwigs have been singing Harvey’s praises for his steady hand at the wheel during the department’s growth over the past decade. "We have been fortunate to have Chief Harvey’s stable leadership and strategic guidance over the continued growth of the police department for more than a decade," stated City Manager Eric Ellwanger in a retirement announcement released Monday. During Harvey's tenure, the Allen Police Department has embraced new technology to streamline crime fighting and boost its community outreach, per the City of Allen.
Harvey, before embarking on a well-earned retirement, reflected on his time in service. "It has been my privilege to serve this great community and the fine men and women of the Allen Police Department," Harvey said in his parting statement. He also oversaw initiatives to improve police recruitment, expanded the School Resource Officer program, and boosted mental health training within the department, as per the City of Allen.
On top of his day-to-day responsibilities, Harvey was instrumental in facilitating two major bond-funded projects, including a cost-saving partnership for a police firearms training center with Collin College. Bringing in a $3.3 million saving for Allen taxpayers from the estimated cost, "It’s difficult to summarize all the accomplishments of the Chief’s tenure with Allen," was how Ellwanger put it, also highlighting the relationships Harvey forged. Harvey expressed pride in the courage shown by officers under his command, especially during the critical events that unfolded on May 6th, as reported by the City of Allen.
The successor of Brian Harvey would be Steve Dye for the Allen Chief of Police position. Dye, who recently retired as the Grand Prairie city manager, also served as that city’s police chief from 2011 to 2020, and as a deputy city manager.
