SHERIFF JOHN ALLEN
Sheriff John Allen has spent the entirety of his professional life dedicated to upholding law, order, and justice in his community. With a career spanning over two decades, Sheriff Allen has been an integral part of the law enforcement community of New Mexico. Sheriff Allen began his distinguished career in 1997 with the New Mexico State Police, stationed in Las Vegas, New Mexico. During his tenure there, he met his wife Athenea, a constant source of support and encouragement throughout his law enforcement journey.
In 2001, he moved to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), where his commitment to serving the public led him to work in all area commands. His expertise and dedication quickly led him to the role of a detective, where he specialized in handling violent crimes and homicides. In 2013, Sheriff Allen’s consistent track record of excellence was recognized with a promotion to Sergeant. He was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division in September 2014. His purview expanded to include Homicide, Violent Crimes, SWAT, Crisis Intervention Unit, and Cold Case Investigations.
Sheriff Allen’s vast knowledge and skill set were not just confined to investigative roles. He held supervisory positions in the Special Weapons and Tactics unit, and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement agencies, ensuring the high standards and compliance of these important divisions. As an exceptional instructor, Sheriff Allen made a significant contribution to the professional development of his colleagues. He served as a Master Defensive Tactics Instructor and Ground Control expert. His experience also extended to being an OC Instructor and Officer Survival Instructor. Furthermore, he played a vital role in curriculum development, shaping the educational framework that future law enforcement officers would be trained on.
After retiring from BCSO in 2019, Sheriff Allen continued his dedication to law enforcement education by serving as an Instructor at the Central New Mexico Community College Law Enforcement Academy in 2020. In January 2023, his career culminated in his election as Sheriff. A position that is both a testament to his vast experience and the trust bestowed on him by the community he has served for so long. In January 2024, Sheriff Allen became a member of Governor Lujan Grisham’s Organized Crime Commission.
Sheriff Allen is not just dedicated to his role within the law enforcement community but also contributes actively to several committees. He is a valued member of the New Mexico National Alliance on Mental Illness Crisis Intervention Team committee, the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Honoring Heroes Committee, and serves as an executive board member for the Bernalillo County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. In every role and every responsibility, Sheriff John Allen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving his community, enhancing law enforcement’s professionalism, and promoting justice. His career continues to be an exemplary model for future law enforcement officers in Bernalillo County and beyond.
505-468-7777
https://www.bernco.gov/bernalillo-county-sheriff/
Fire-Police-Sheriff
