Brian Harvey named new Allen police chief

Harvey previously served with the Dallas Police Department as deputy chief over the central patrol division.

There will be a new chief in town for the Allen Police Department starting February 6.

The city announced on January 6 that Brian E. Harvey, formerly of the Dallas Police Department, will assume the position following the retirement of William Rushing, the current chief of police.

Harvey has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and has worked as deputy chief of police with the Dallas PD since June 2007, where he has been responsible for the Homeland Security and Tactical Intelligence Division. This division includes criminal intelligence and crime analysis, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, a gang unit, property recovery, major crimes, Crimestoppers, dignitary protection, and Love Field Municipal Airport security.

Prior accomplishments include the development of a public tip program utilizing online and smart phone technologies, the creation of special ordinances to reduce crime and improve safety for multi-tenant properties and convenience stores, and the implementation of a variety of programs involving federal, state, and local partnerships such as the National Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative.

"Deputy Chief Harvey's demonstrated leadership abilities, along with his commitment to community policing and customer service, is a natural fit for the City of Allen," said Peter Vargas, city manager. "His progressive approach to the use of technology and ability to build consensus and initiate regional partnership efforts will continue to expand the high service standards and professionalism of the Allen Police Department."

Harvey's law enforcement career with the Dallas Police Department also includes serving as deputy chief over the central patrol division, which is comprised of 301 sworn and non-sworn personnel who serve a multicultural resident population of 93,000 with an annual budget of $30.5 million. He has also served as executive lieutenant for the north central operations division, watch commander, and professional development section commander. In these various positions, he implemented several programs, teams, and committees to address concerns ranging from gang issues to service delivery to ethics and training.

"I am honored to join the city of Allen team," Harvey said. "My first objective will be to meet with departmental personnel, community members, and city leadership to fully understand departmental operations and evaluate community relations."

Harvey has a Bachelor's of Science in criminal justice from Western Illinois University. He has attended the School of Police Supervision at the Southwestern Legal Foundation, the Advanced Management Command College at the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute, and the Senior Management Institute for Police at the Police Executive Research Forum.

"I look forward to serving the Allen community and continuing the legacy of professionalism, superior customer service, transparency, and crime reduction," Harvey said.