Law & Order

A passion for patrolling

Written By: Kristine Hedlund
Photos by Mark Susan

Women have worked in law enforcement since the early 1800s, typically fulfilling duties classified as "appropriate" for women.

In 1910, Alice Stebbins Wells became the first woman recognized as a police officer in the United States. The women who became police officers in the time after Wells were primarily concerned with accused women and children and were really fulfilling the role of policewoman-as-social worker or “matrons,” using social work, not law enforcement, as their frame of reference.

It was not until the 1970s that women began to be viewed as equally capable of all the duties of law enforcement, including patrol. As women gained full equality in police departments across the country as a result of affirmative action and legal mandates, policewomen also emerged in popular culture. The cast of “Charlie’s Angels” made fighting crime look glamorous; “21 Jump Street” portrayed women in law in a more realistic light, but the ladies in this interview continue to reinforce that their lives are not an episode of “CSI.”

Meet five of the Valley’s crime-fighting, law-enforcing ladies, who dare to prove that they do what they do because they want for a better world.

Jacquelyn R. MacConnell
Lieutenant
36 Years Old

What department do you work in?
Phoenix Police Department, Patrol Division, Maryvale Precinct

How many years have you been in law enforcement?
14

What motivated you to get into law enforcement?
I was an intern with the Phoenix Police Department’s Police Employment Services Bureau during my second-to-last semester at ASU. While an intern, I did at least two ride-a-longs with patrol officers in the Maryvale Precinct and decided it would be a “fun” job. Fourteen years later, it is still a “fun” job, and I look forward to coming into work every day.

Have you worked in other departments or cities?
I have not worked for any other police departments or cities, but I have worked in other bureaus on our department. I started as an officer in the Maryvale Precinct and after a year transferred to the South Mountain Precinct. In the South Mountain Precinct, I worked as a Field Training Officer (training new officers out of the Academy) and as Neighborhood Police Officer, or bicycle officer. After a few years there, I became an undercover detective working in the Drug Enforcement Bureau at the street level. In the Drug Enforcement Bureau, I assisted on several high-level conspiracy cases, involving the transportation of a large amount of drugs and/or money, nationally and internationally. My next move at officer level was to the Training Bureau, where I assisted with in-service training and finally to the Sex Crimes Unit, working specifically with sex offenders and the registration laws.

I was promoted to Sergeant from the Sex Crimes Unit and was transferred back to the South Mountain Precinct as a Patrol Sergeant where I worked for a year and a half before transferring to the Central City Precinct as a Patrol Sergeant. After being a Patrol Sergeant for a year, I played a part in creating an actual Walking Beat Squad, responsible for the Housing Projects in that precinct, and supervised that squad. Time passed and I returned to the Drug Enforcement Bureau as a Sergeant over a street level detective squad working drug investigations.

From there, I was promoted to Lieutenant and returned to patrol in the Maryvale Precinct, where I am currently assigned.

What was the most challenging factor when entering your field?
Going through the police academy was psychologically and physically challenging for me because I am a perfectionist and expect a lot out of myself. Most of the stress I endured during the Academy, I brought upon myself. I did not want to get “beat” by the men, so I never dropped out of a class run or physical fitness exercise. My fitness and academics were in the top of the class.

If you could eliminate one area of crime in the Valley, what would it be?
This is a difficult question. Initially I want to respond by saying eliminating any sex crimes. Second, the thought of any crimes involving children as victims pops into my head. Third, any crimes involving the elderly as victims. Apparently, I cannot pick one crime. When you see the devastated look on a legitimate victim’s face over and over again, you would understand my difficulty in answering this question. My passion to lessen the number of victims in our society has pushed me to start my own business where I teach people how NOT to be victims of violent crime.

At the age of 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Honestly, I have no idea; but I know the thought of being a police officer was not on my mind.

Tell us about an event at work that had the most impact on why you do what you do.
Wow! Here we go! In 2004, several of my officers and I found two 5-year-old boys in cages. Their cribs had been constructed into fully enclosed cages by tying plastic milk cartons together with wire. Their cages were separate but touching. When I walked into the room, I saw the boys peering at us from inside, their fingers punched through the holes of the cages. The smell was putrid, and the conditions of the cages were horrendous. The littlest twin did not even have a mattress, only ply wood. These boys did not have the ability to talk English or Spanish, but did speak their own self-created language. Their 8-year-old brother shared the room with the twins; being made to believe this was normal.

Now, in 2008, all three boys have been adopted by their wonderful and blessed foster parents. They chose to take the name of the adoptive parents. I am called their “tia” (Spanish for aunt) and have been allowed to be a part of their lives. Although they all face continued challenges, the twins now speak English, as well as sign language, they use utensils and function like most children for most of their day-to-day activities. Their older brother is flourishing in his new environment. The adoptive parents, Luis and Sylvia, were a Godsend to these children and have given me so much hope. They gave these children a new beginning.

Why do I do what I do? To fight crime, but, also hopefully to provide those that need it with the tools for a new start.

What is your advice for encouraging our PW readers to seek a career in law enforcement?
If you are interested in law enforcement, give it a try! It is an awesome job with awesome potential. If you decide to do it, come to the job for the job, not because you will get to work around a bunch of men or you want non-stop adrenaline. Do not come into the job expecting “CSI” or “The Closer.” This job is real, and what we do in our investigations takes real time. You will experience frustration with the system, with life; but, in the end, you will experience the feeling of making a difference somewhere, with someone.

What activities do you do to stay in good physical condition?
I lift weights and do cardio workouts at the gym. I have been in and out of martial arts since high school and want to get back into it. My favorite sport is dirt bike riding. I didn’t realize what a workout it is until I started doing it about five years ago. I love it!

What is one thing about you that your co-workers would be surprised to know?
Do I want to answer this one…? How about that I am not at all as rough and tough as I act at work; that I am actually very compassionate and kind. Geez! Now they’ll know!

Name a song that best describes you.
The song “At the End of the Day” by Kellie Coffey is about as close any song comes in terms of how I try to view each day.

Maryvale Precinct
6180 W. Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix
602.495.5008

Lori Berke
Attorney
39 Years Old

What segment of law do you work in?
Private attorney -- civil litigation

How many years have you been in law?
15

What motivated you to become a lawyer?
I have always been very inquisitive and investigative by nature, with an aptitude for reasoned analysis. Therefore, being a lawyer is something that comes naturally. Additionally, serving as an advocate for people in need of my assistance is very gratifying.

Have you worked in other departments of law or other cities?
No.

What was the most challenging factor when entering your field?
The time commitment involved in obtaining a law degree and becoming licensed to practice law. You need a four-year college degree prior to entering law school, and law school is an additional three to four years. Law school was much more demanding than college was. After graduating law school, you have to take a bar examination in whatever state you intend to practice. Most people (including myself) take an intensive month-long bar review course to prepare them for the examination. I attended law school in Minnesota and was uncertain whether I would move out of state. As a result, I sat for the Minnesota bar exam. Shortly after passing that, I decided to move to Arizona. So, one year later, I took the Arizona bar review course and then sat for the Arizona bar examination. Attorneys are also required to take a professional responsibility examination. Fortunately, my professional responsibility examination score from Minnesota was transferable to Arizona, so I did not have to sit for that test twice.

If you could eliminate one area of crime, what would it be?
Sexual assault. There is hardly anything more gut wrenching than to learn of an innocent child being violated and abused. Equally as gut wrenching is hearing of women who have been violently raped. In fact, my biggest fear is becoming a victim of sexual assault. I take extreme precautions to try to avoid putting myself in situations where I am exposed to the risk of being sexually assaulted, and I sincerely empathize with anyone who has fallen victim to such a sinister act.

At the age of 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I dreamed of being a police officer. I was captivated by the television series “Charlie’s Angels,” “T.J. Hooker” and “CHiPs.” It is quite ironic that a significant part of my law practice is devoted to representing police officers.

Tell us about an event at work that had the most impact on why you do what you do.
What has had the most significant impact on me at work has not been a single event, but rather an area of practice. While I frequently handle commercial cases and professional liability cases, a significant area of my practice is in the area of governmental/municipal liability. I have successfully defended numerous cities, counties and school districts in litigation and at trial. Many of my governmental cases involve defending law enforcement officers when it is alleged that the officers violated the plaintiff’s civil rights. Oftentimes, these cases involve allegations of excessive force.

Without exception, my experience has been that the police officers I represent are hard working, professional men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our community. They are extremely appreciative of the service I provide to them and I am proud to represent them. The work I do on their behalf has been, and continues to be, a highlight of my career and has had the most impact on why I continue to do what I do.

In 2004, along with several other attorneys in my former law firm and co-counsel from other law firms, I achieved the largest consumer antitrust settlement in Arizona history. We represented a class of consumers who sued Microsoft for unlawfully overcharging them and attempting to maintain a monopoly in markets for certain operating systems and applications software, such as windows and Word. The settlement reached with Microsoft was a record $104.6 million. In addition to benefiting consumers, the settlement resulted in an additional $56 million dollars for Arizona's poorest schools to obtain hardware and software computer products.

The most recent event that I anticipate will have a very significant impact on what I do concerns my decision to leave the law firm at which I have been practicing for the past 13 years to start my own law practice. By the time this goes to print, my new law firm (The Berke Law Firm) will be up and running. I am grateful to my friends and partners at my former law firm, Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C., for all of the support they have provided to me at this exciting and pivotal time in my career.

What is your advice for encouraging our PW readers to seek a career in law?
I would encourage anyone who is not afraid of hard work and likes a continual challenge to pursue a career in law. It is an exciting field; and once you have mastered your craft, it is immensely rewarding to not only provide clients with representation, but also to impart your knowledge and expertise on those you are tasked to mentor.

What activities do you do to stay in good physical condition?
Hiking, running and weight training

What is one thing about you that your co-workers would be surprised to know?
That I am a very sensitive person. It doesn’t take much to make me cry – be it a touching movie, television program or even a commercial. In fact, just over a year ago when I was planning my wedding, every time I went to interview a videographer and watched wedding videos of people I don’t even know, I would start to tear up. My husband-to-be would look at me with a smirk, shake his head and hand me a tissue before the crying started. To my delight, I was able to make it through our ceremony without falling to pieces. (I did have to pause and take a few breaths while reciting my vows.)

Name a song that best describes you.
“Believe” by Lenny Kravitz. This is a very inspirational song that I often listen to on the way to court when I am I trial. One of the lines is, “If you want it, you got it. You just got to believe – believe in yourself.” I attribute all of my accomplishments in life to believing in myself (and, of course, to hard work).

Shughart Thomson & Kilroy, P.C.
Security Title Plaza, Suite 1200
3636 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix
602.650.2000, www.stklaw.com

Stacie Derge
Detective, Media Relations
35 Years Old

What department do you work in?
The Phoenix Police Department

How many years have you been in law enforcement?
12

What motivated you to get into law enforcement?
Community service. I wanted to help people, and at the time, tuition reimbursement was pretty important to me.

Have you worked in other departments or cities?
No.

What was the most challenging factor in entering your field?
Finding continued patience with everyone.

If you could eliminate one area of crime in the Valley, what would it be?
Child crimes.

At the age of 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Safe.

Tell us about an event at work that had the most impact on why you do what you do.
A student at the high school was being abused and stalked by her boyfriend, who threatened to kill her. When we arrested him, she sent me a thank-you card for saving her life.

What is your advice for encouraging our PW readers to seek a career in law enforcement?
It is a career with so much variety and opportunity. Even if it is something you have never thought about doing, I would consider it. It could be the career that will change your life.

What activities do you do to stay in good physical condition?
Run, lift weights, eat well and keep balance in my life.

What is one thing about you that your co-workers would be surprised to know?
I am sort of an open book, so I can’t really think of one for this answer.

Name a song that best describes you.
“You Make Everything Glorious” – David Crowder Band

Phoenix Police Department
620 W. Washington Street, Phoenix
602.262.7626, www.phoenix.gov

Allison Sedowski
Forensic Scientist IV
31 Years Old

What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University. I am currently working on my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, with graduation in December of 2008. I obtained my International Association for Identification – Level I – Certified Crime Scene Investigator Certificate in May of 2007. The IAI is a professional organization that issues certificates to individuals who successfully pass a written examination and meet certain job-related qualifications.

What department do you work in?
I work in the Forensic Biology Section of the Phoenix Police Department’s Crime Laboratory analyzing items of evidence from criminal cases for biological fluids or stains. I am the lead instructor for the biological evidence collection trainings for the Phoenix Police officers and crime lab staff. I am also the administrator of the DNA database for the Phoenix Police Department and get to notify detectives when their cases get a hit on the database, potentially solving a cold case.

How many years have you been in law enforcement?
10 years, as of February 2008.

What motivated you to get in to law enforcement?
I was motivated to find a job that allowed me to put my love for analytical science and problem solving into action and also gave me a chance to have a positive impact on society.

Have you worked in other departments or cities?
I worked at the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s (AZDPS) Crime Laboratory for 3 years as a criminalist in the DNA/Serology section prior to the City of Phoenix. I began working in the public service area as a water safety instructor assistant at the age of 13 for Lake Havasu City and continued working for the aquatics department until I graduated from college.

What was the most challenging factor when entering your field?
Fifteen years ago, finding information on the field of forensics was difficult. There was very little information about forensics and working in a crime laboratory, and T.V. shows like CSI did not exist. In fact, very few people even knew what the term forensic science really meant. I knew that I wanted to work in a field that involved science, but I also wanted to work in an area that involved crime and criminals and possibly psychology. I was very fortunate to be introduced to two scientists from the AZDPS crime lab when I was a junior in high school while they were working a crime scene in Lake Havasu. They were able to provide me with basic information about forensic science and also told me that a college degree in science with an emphasis on chemistry would be required to work in the crime lab. They let me know about the chemistry program at Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a forensic emphasis. That chance meeting with these forensic scientists definitely impacted my decision to enroll in the program at NAU, and I may have chosen another path had this not occurred.

If you could eliminate one area of crime in the Valley, what would it be?
I would eliminate property crimes which includes burglary and auto theft crimes. These cases are the most prolific in the Phoenix area, and more people are impacted by these crimes than any other type. Recent studies have shown that individuals who commit property crimes have a higher recidivism rate than those who commit other types of offenses and also show that the property crimes offenders have a potential to engage in more serious, violent behavior.

At the age of 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?
According to my parents, I wanted to be a librarian at age 5. I went around our home and put check-in and check-out cards in all the books. If someone wanted to read a book, they had to check it out with me.

Tell us about an event at work that had the most impact on why you do what you do.
One case that had a great impact on me was an unsolved homicide that had been a cold case for over 15 years. The case was solved because of DNA evidence and a match from that evidence to a convicted offender in the DNA database. After the family was notified that the person responsible for the homicide had been found, the brother of the victim asked to meet the lab personnel that had help to solve his sister’s murder. He thanked each of us for not giving up on his sister’s case and for providing the family with closure. It was a bit overwhelming to meet him, but I was able to get a sense of the pain that the family had experienced for so long in not knowing who was responsible for her death. Working in the lab, I am detached from the victims and families affected by crime, but this was an opportunity to see that the work I do does have an impact on people and their lives.

What is your advice for encouraging our PW readers to seek a career in law enforcement?
I would encourage readers to seek a job in law enforcement if they are looking for a career that provides new challenges every day. There is nothing routine about my job since each case that I work is unique and each piece of evidence tells its own story.

What activities do you do to stay in good physical condition?
I enjoy activities having to do with water, so I try to swim several times a week. I learned how to SCUBA dive for my 30th birthday so I could spend even more time in the water. I also try to make it to the gym classes like Pilates or muscle conditioning; I need to work more on my balance to avoiding rolling off the exercise ball in class.

What is one thing about you that your co-workers would be surprised to know?
I think my co-workers would be surprised to know that I do have a sensitive side even though I very rarely show it. They also might be surprised to know that the sensitive side of me collects teddy bears. At work, I am more objective; I have to be. I don’t always have to be objective in my private life, and so the sensitive side comes out every now and then.

Name a song that best describes you.
I believe a song by Alanis Morissette that comes closest to describing me would be “All I Really Want.” The lyrics talk about trying to find a soul mate, someone to understand; but they are also about wanting to pick things apart and analyze them. My analytical personality can be a challenge for both my personal and professional relationships, and the song seems to describe this challenge.

Phoenix Crime Laboratory
621 W. Washington Street, Phoenix
602.534.9059

Brenda McLaughlin
Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation
35 Years Old

What Department do you work in?
Counter Terrorism

How many years in the FBI:
2 years

What motivated you to get into the Bureau?
As a deputy U.S. Marshal, I saw the court cases against federal inmates; the cases that interested me the most were brought by the FBI. I wanted to be the person that investigated a crime, make a case against the individual or group, and be responsible for taking them off the streets. The FBI investigates over 250 violations of federal law, so you can never know everything and you can't get bored.

Have you worked in other departments or cities?
When I was 18 years old, I joined the United States Air Force. I was a Security Police Specialist, Military Working Dog Handler, and a Military Customs Inspector. I was stationed at Yokota AFB, Japan, for my entire career. In 1995, I left the Air Force and I worked as a county detention officer until August 1996, when I was hired on as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. As a deputy, I was stationed in Yuma, Arizona, and Phoenix. In May 2006, I was hired by the FBI as a special agent.

What was the most challenging factor in entering your field?
Being away from my family and loved ones during the academy. I have been through three four-month-long academies. Another challenging aspect of the job is trying to balance my femininity while trying to fit in and be one of the guys.

If you could eliminate one area of crime, what would it be?
Terrorism.

At the age of 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A dentist.

Tell us about an event at work that had the most impact on why you do what you do.
I am not able to provide details, but I have been able to participate in some investigations that enhanced the security of the Country. Being involved in these investigations makes it easy to get out of bed and come to work everyday.

What is your advice for encouraging our PW readers to seek a career with the FBI?
Joining the FBI requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice, and you have to be prepared for the physical and mental challenges. Probably the most difficult aspect is the time you have to spend away from your family. The reward is well worth it, though. The FBI has proven to be the best career move I've made.

What activities do you do to stay in good physical condition?
I run three miles three times a week, do resistance training three times a week, and I change up the cardio by attending fitness classes at the gym. I love the class with a little step instruction and weight training combined; it really pushes you and makes those muscles burn.

What is one thing about you that your co-workers would be surprised to know?
I act really tough at work and pretend like nothing bothers me, but I'm really just a softy/pushover once you get to know me.

Name a song that best describes you.
I can't really think of a song, but the movie Miss Congeniality sums up my life; I am an awkward smart aleck who’s not afraid to go the extra mile to get the job done.

FBI Phoenix Division
201 E. Indianola, Phoenix
602.279.5511, phoenix.fbi.gov

The Phoenix Police Reserve was officially formed in 1951 and is a permanent function of the Phoenix Police Department.

Who are Reserve Officers?

• Those interested in law enforcement or a law enforcement career
• Citizens who have an established career, but who are interested in law enforcement
• Retiring career officers who wish to continue in law enforcement on a part-time basis

Why should you consider becoming a Reserve Officer?

• Allows you to explore the law enforcement career field
• Provides a new career choice
• The satisfaction of providing worthwhile community service
• Learn more about the Phoenix Police Department
• Explore police specialty details
• Establish contacts and meet new people
• Assignment and work flexibility
• Enjoy the challenges and excitement offered by law enforcement
• Reserve Incentive Program

Where can a Reserve Officer work?

• Reserve Officers work side by side with Career Phoenix Police officers, and perform most of the same duties
• Reserve Officers are initially assigned to work in patrol, in a precinct of their first or second choosing
• Once off of solo probation, a reserve officers may request assignment to a non-patrol function

Reserve Officer Requirements:

• At least 20 years of age at the time of application; 21 years of age at time of academy graduation
• Citizen of the United States of America
• Sound physical and mental health
• At least 20/20 vision uncorrected; or 20/20 vision corrected by glasses or hard contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20/80 or better; or 20/20 vision corrected by soft contact lenses if uncorrected acuity is 20/200
• Fewer than eight driving points, fewer than two chargeable accidents, no convictions for DUI and no loss of license as a result of a moving violation within the previous 36 months
• No use of dangerous narcotic drugs
• No felony convictions
• A history of good personal conduct

Processing Requirements:

• Physical agility test
• Background questionnaire and investigation
• Controlled substance screening
• Polygraph examination
• Oral board interview
• Psychological evaluation
• Medical examination

Reserve Academy:

• AzPOST certified program which meets two evenings during the week for 4 hours and one 8 hour weekend day.
• Receive 24 college credits upon graduation
• Attend Phoenix Post-Academy and successfully complete FTO Program.
• Optional: A reserve can attend a full time AzPOST academy on a space availability basis

Reserve Incentive Program:

• Department-provided academy tuition
• Ballistic vest reimbursement
• Court overtime and stand-by pay
• Annual uniform allowance
• Basic leather, equipment and weapon are provided
• Off-duty employment
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• Service awards and longevity benefits

How to become a Reserve Officer:

If you are interested in serving the community by becoming a Phoenix Police Reserve Officer, call 602.534.9000 for further information.