Officer Audrey Caple

Why did you become a police officer?

As silly as it sounds, I first gained an interest in law enforcement by watching the Investigation Discovery Channel with my older sister. Before being introduced to these shows, I was determined to be a paleontologist and dig up all the dinosaur bones, but that quickly changed with each murder mystery I watched.

From a young age, I always knew I wanted to do something where I would be helping people(cliché, I know). As I got older and studied the field of law enforcement more, I realized the desire to help others could be a real possibility. Not only would I have the chance to serve my community, but every day would also be what I made of it. I wouldn’t be confined to a routine and could proactively make a difference for those around me. In this profession, my passion for solving problems and thinking critically would be an asset with each call I took. The flexibility and fast-paced nature of this line of work would keep the mundane at bay and allow me to stay busy. While I have quickly learned that real-life policing is very different from what I watched in those detective shows, I could not have chosen a more perfect career path for me.

What motivates you to succeed?

Knowing that I can effect positive change and influence on those around me motivates me to succeed every day.

As a Tactics and De-escalation instructor within my department, I play a key role in developing the skills of our officers and enhancing their confidence and competence. With each lesson plan I develop and each drill or scenario I create, everything is done with the intention of building our officers up and further ensuring their safety and success on the street. Not only do I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others, but I also gain a sense of fulfillment and pride knowing that the newfound understanding and confidence that officers have when leaving these trainings can be seen with the naked eye; they leave with their heads held higher and a pep in their step. I care deeply for the members of my department, and I hold an intense conviction to lead us in a positive direction in whatever way I can. I often achieve this through training, but also by engaging with the community.

I understand that there will always be community members with unwavering negative opinions toward law enforcement; however, that does not mean everyone shares the same view. To increase our odds of having a positive impact on those we interact with, I have encouraged daily group foot patrols with my shift throughout our assigned areas. During these walks, our main goals are visibility and community interaction. This has encouraged citizens to ask us questions, seek guidance, and has enhanced support. We have also recently begun writing positive and educational safety messages with chalk in high-traffic areas—a common practice on our campus, though not one our department has done recently—which has received positive reactions from everyone who saw the notes. While these may seem silly or insignificant, it is often the small yet consistent and intentional acts that show people we care and that we are more than just a badge and gun.

By training those within my department and building steadfast relationships with my community, I am continually directing our department and those in my sphere of influence in a positive direction. I don’t want this momentum to stop and will continue to generate new and creative ideas to build on this positive trajectory. This is what success has looked like for me, and as long as there are new things to learn and teach and a community with which we can build relationships, I will have plenty of motivation to keep going.

What’s your most memorable moment on the job?

Whenever I am asked this question or something similar, my mind instantly goes blank, and it’s as if I have been completely stagnant over the four years I have been an officer. The first memories that come to mind, though humorous and impactful for me and each cohort—who likes to occasionally remind me of those fun times—probably shouldn’t be shared in this format. After some reflection and careful thought about all I have experienced so far, there is a positive memory I occasionally turn to when I’m having a difficult day.

When I was attending the Police Academy, it was on the heels of George Floyd. We were just beginning our careers but were surrounded daily by intense negativity toward law enforcement. While I knew I was committed to my dream of becoming a police officer, everything I saw in the media and heard from instructors and staff made graduating feel daunting. ‘Did my community even want me there? Would people even call us for help?’ I asked myself these questions more frequently as I got closer to field training. While I experienced some hate and negativity during my field training, I was fortunate enough not to face all the turmoil I had been expecting. However, there was still a lingering belief that our community didn’t support us.

Shortly after successfully completing field training, I was dispatched to a citizen assist call in the parking lot of our Police Department. I remember walking outside and being greeted by a group of motorcycle riders, all dressed in matching black leather. I don’t remember why this group called for assistance, but I do remember one question they had: ‘Can we pray for you?’ At first, I was taken aback, wondering why they would want to pray for me. I quickly adjusted my mindset and said, ‘Of course, you can.’ The group gathered close, with hands on each other’s shoulders and mine, and they prayed. I wish I could remember everything they said, but I know they prayed for my safety and the safety of my brothers and sisters in blue. They prayed for us. How amazing is that? To know that there are people who care about us, who care enough to take time out of their day to do this, while publicly showing their support for law enforcement. I knew at that moment that not everything I was hearing in the media was true, and that there would always be community members who wanted us and always people who needed our help.

I was lucky enough to have a dispatcher witness this event on camera and take the time to snap a photo. I now have a permanent reminder of this incredible memory.

What challenges have you faced?

I am so thankful to work at a department where those around me are supportive and have helped me achieve great things. However, I have encountered challenges that have had a lasting impact on me.

Outside the walls of my department, I have been cat-called, hit on, asked out, sent text messages that read like a page out of Fifty Shades of Grey, touched inappropriately, and once, someone even tried to kiss me. I have also encountered other agencies and male instructors who have treated me and my female counterparts as less-than, looking shocked when we proved to be just as knowledgeable as they were. I have also been seen as a ‘daughter’ by seasoned officers who felt they needed to protect me from whatever was in front of me. These encounters can make it feel like as soon as we put on this uniform, there are no holds barred in terms of what is said and done to us—like there is no longer a person, just an object.

Unfortunately, these experiences and feelings aren’t uncommon, and I’m sure many other female officers have experienced similar or even worse treatment. Each time something like this happens, I question, ‘Has all my hard work been for nothing? Are they only ever going to see me as just a woman?’ This negative mindset only reinforces their point, and we can’t let that happen.

Instead of keeping these unfortunate instances to myself, I share them with other female officers in my department. I do this to open dialogue about our common experiences, frustrations, and disappointments. I don’t want our female officers to feel like they are alone or that they have to ‘tough it out’ and ‘get over it.’ It’s okay for these instances to affect us, and they should be talked about. While we can’t control what others do or say, we can control our responses. By keeping these conversations going, we can better process these past experiences and prepare ourselves for future uncomfortable encounters.

While I have learned better ways to manage my reactions to these instances and turn them into something positive, I believe the derogatory remarks and inappropriate behavior of some members of the public will remain a challenge and frustration throughout my career.

What advice do you have for women considering a profession in policing?

Don’t let your fears and self-doubt get in the way of pursuing your dreams and professional goals. There will always be reasons not to do something, but it’s important to focus on why you wanted to do it in the first place. This profession needs more hardworking and dedicated professionals who will fight for what’s right and do the right thing even when no one is around to see it. This profession especially needs more empathy, compassion, and kindness. I believe that having more female partners can help make these needs a reality.

I will also say that if you choose this career path, I implore you to stay true to yourself. The naysayers around you may try to break you down and bring you to their level, but don’t let them win. Keep your ‘Why’ close to your heart, and periodically take time to reflect on it—this can help keep you grounded and prevent the naysayers from gaining another ‘member.’ However, if at any time you are struggling, whether with negative people in your department or with memories that stick with you, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

I won’t tell you it will be easy, but I will tell you it’s worth it. You are deserving of success and deserve to pursue whatever goal you have set before you. I will be cheering you on from the sidelines, and so will many other women in our field. Take a deep breath—you’ve got this.