City Manager Names New Interim Police Chief

EL PASO — City Manager Joyce Wilsonnamed Deputy Chief Gregory Allenas the interimchief for theEl Paso Police Department after current Chief Richard Wiles retires.

Wilson made the announcement today at a news conference in City Hall.

Deputy Chief Greg Allen, who has 26 years experience as a police officer, will be first to head the the El Paso Police Department after Wiles retires on Dec. 27, Wilson said.

Allen will work with Wiles over the next two weeks to get a basic understanding of what the job entails. After 60 days, Wilson said she will evaluate who next should be in line to serve as interim chief.

In November, Wiles announced he would retire, saying he would pursue other interests.

That same month, when Wilson was first tasked with finding an interim replacement for police chief, she indicated Wiles had done an exemplary job. “He has left the police department in excellent shape, so his successor will indeed inherit a world-class law enforcement agency.”

There has been speculation that Wiles would consider running for county sheriff, a position being vacated by the incumbent Leo Samaniego, who is retiring at the end of his present term. Wiles has not announced any intention publicly, but as indicated by City Charter, he is restricted from doing so until he is no longer employed by the city.

Wiles has been a member of the police department since 1982.