Please tell us a little bit about your background.
I am a student at Hamline University, where I work as both a dispatcher and a student officer. I am currently a sophomore graduating in 2027 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and criminal justice and criminology. Hamline offers a program where you can make your own minor, so I'm making a minor in physics and criminal investigations. I'm really into physics and like astrophysics, so it was a way for me to take physics classes as part of my degree. Physics can be applied to criminal investigations through forensic science.
How did you get interested in law enforcement?
My first introduction to law enforcement was when I was in middle school. I used to live with my grandparents and my grandma would stay up late at night, watching 48 Hours and Dateline, and I would stay up and watch it with her. That’s where it sparked my interest in investigations and through schooling I found my interest in psychology. Psychology and investigations go hand in hand. Going into high school, I found a mentor from the Coon Rapids Police Department, which is where I lived before I came to Minneapolis. She convinced me to start applying for CSO jobs.
What are your thoughts on being a woman in law enforcement?
Having my mentor at the Coon Rapids Police Department really helped me see what’s possible. She’s pretty tough. She’s a small, skinny blonde woman who knows her moves. And I’ve talked to some of the male officers around here. I may not be as big and strong as some of the men, but they’ve encouraged me and reminded me that we all have our different capabilities and strengths when it comes to policing.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I don’t have a lot of extra time outside of work and school, but I hang out with my younger brothers a lot. I learned how to snowboard over the winter. I’m bad at it, but I love it. I also spend time with my roommate. We visit coffee shops and go to bookstores. I love reading. I read as much as I can. I definitely prefer physical books over e-books. I love marking up pages with my notes!