Pasadena Police Officer of the Year: Cristian Alexander Allen

He seems to be able to do it all – Patrol, Traffic enforcement, Community Services. Whatever the assignment, his record is exemplary.

Born and raised in Southern California, Cristian Alexander Allen spent his early years in Compton and his high school years in Los Angeles where he attended John Marshall High School. He went on to attend Pasadena City College and California State Dominguez Hills University before joining the Pasadena Police Department some six years ago. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management and is currently enrolled in a graduate program pursuing a Masters Degree in Leadership, Public Policy and Social Studies.

It was Cristian’s involvement with the 2012 Special Olympics of Southern California where he was a runner in the Law Enforcement Torch Run that first caught the eye of the Pasadena Police Department (PPD). He went on in the spring of 2013 to help coordinate the first Special Olympics of Southern California Tip-A-Cop event and then the Law Enforcement Torch Run event for the PPD. His enthusiasm and devotion to the Tip-A-Cop event (22013/2014), the Special Olympics Torch Run (2012, 2013 and 2014) and the Police and Fire Basketball Game (2012) went well beyond the call of duty.

Cristian was recently selected to represent the Pasadena Police Department in running the final leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run where runners carry the “Flame of Hope” through various California towns and cities. For the past three years, Cristian has served as a mentor and advisor to young people in the Pasadena Police Department’s Explorer Post, volunteering numerous hours preparing them for leadership roles and potential careers in public service. Some of the local organizations that have benefitted from Cristian’s work include Flintridge Center, Community Baptist Church, Hathaway Sycamores, Mother’s Club, Day One and the YWCA. He prides himself on giving back to the community, on and off duty.