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Published on:

13th Apr 2021

Ep. 16 Sgt. from Pacific NW. Part 1 of 2. LE was not her original path but would have it no other way.

Ep. 16 Part 1 of 2. A sergeant with 20 years on a mid-sized agency in the Pacific NW explains she never considered becoming a police officer because of the unfavorable view she had of law enforcement growing up. We talk about what changed her mind and why a career as an LEO means so much to her especially, as she explains, as a woman of color being able to represent the underrepresented. We discuss how the area she grew up in, which was known for gang violence, and her first job as a counselor for incarcerated youth helped inform her work. We also talk about her reaction to the killing of George Floyd. Our interview took place prior to the Derek Chauvin trial and our conversation and reactions are based on the incident as it was portrayed in the news when it happened. We also discuss what it’s like being a police officer during these difficult times for law enforcement. In Part 2, we get to talk about the rewards of the job.

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About the Podcast

On Being a Police Officer
An inside look at law enforcement through a civilian’s interviews.
An inside look at law enforcement through a civilian’s interviews. These are stories of police told by officers themselves. They talk frankly about what it’s like to be a cop in these tough times, what drew them to the job, and what the people they serve don’t know about the challenges of their work. It’s a view from the front lines and some very personal and emotional stories, especially about why each of these officers chose to serve. I draw on my 14 years of interviewing, filming and photographing police officers – and many ride-alongs!

About your host

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Abby Ellsworth

I am a civilian interviewing law enforcement from around the country. My goal is to tell the real stories of LE, the ones that don't make the news.