CENTERVILLE—Newly sworn in Centerville Police Chief Allen Ackerson can’t point to any one thing that made him go into law enforcement – it was just something he’d always wanted to do. Ackerson was appointed Chief following Paul Child’s recent retirement. He joined the Centerville Police Department right out of the police academy in 2004.

“There were a few different agencies interested in me at the time,” said Ackerson. “But Centerville was highly recommended by my POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) instructor.”

Ackerson said he started as a patrol officer. “I worked nights and weekends. Usually that’s how new officers start. That’s the way they get the most experience the fastest. I worked there for three years.”

After that he became a resource officer at Centerville Junior High and worked there for two years. “That was the best position I’ve ever had as a police officer,” said Ackerson. “It’s where you can have a positive impact on the most number of people.”

Kids at the junior high age are impressionable, he said. “They still listen. They’re not stuck in their ways. I’ve never met a bad kid but I’ve met a lot of bad parents. Kids are a product of their environment.”

Their upbringing is not all equal in opportunity, said Ackerson. “I’ve always believed that they’re salvageable. If I did meet a kid that breaks the law or defies authority I didn’t take it personally. It gave me the opportunity to have a positive interaction even if they didn't appreciate it at the  time.”

As part of his duties at the school, Ackerson taught Law Related Education (LRA) once a week during Utah Studies classes. “It was all law enforcement related,” he said. “DUI, investigation, internet safety, drugs and alcohol, it was a very entertaining class.”

The most important part about the resource program is being in the classroom, he said. “We didn’t have DARE officers then but it doesn’t matter what you teach, it's the interaction between the officer and the kids. The contact you had and the relationship you built.”

Ackerson has served in many different positions in his 20 years with the department such as Detective, a Sergeant in Patrol, Administrative and Detective Division and Lieutenant. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College, is an Advanced Public Information Officer (FEMA EMI) and a graduate of the FBI Command College.

The community of Centerville has a small town feel, said Ackerson. “We still have the crime and realities of any other area but we provide a lot of services that larger places can’t. We still unlock cars and check VINs. No matter the crime we still show up and fill out a report.”

The department is striving to keep a good relationship between officers and the public, he said. “We want residents to feel comfortable to walk up to an officer with a problem, etc. or just to chat.”

Centerville has had a long line of quality leadership with chiefs and administration who maintained a tie with the community, Ackerson said. “They’ve all lived in Centerville or close to it so they have those ties with the community. We’ve also promoted community events like Night Out Against Crime and on Halloween we have a party with hot dogs and hot chocolate. We had a command center at the 4th of July celebration where we spent the day talking to people. We want people to know that we care. If they need it they’ll get an officer. They’ll make time even if they’re busy.”

Centerville Police Department has 20 sworn officers, he said. “We don’t have difficulty retaining officers but we do struggle to hire and find qualified candidates. They’re not all going to be a good fit.”

Last year’s round of hiring they went through the selection process until they found a quality candidate, said Ackerson. “We’d rather let the position go unfilled for a time rather than hiring the wrong officer. There were 36 applications for one position.”

There’s a good culture here, he said. “Our officers are happy. It’s a good community. We’re lucky. We’re busy enough to keep things interesting but not so busy as to burn us out.”

Ackerson said the job has brought him satisfaction. “I’m not in it for the money. It’s the opportunity to be impactful, be involved and engaged in events no one else is involved in. I believe in a life well lived.”