Captain Jennifer Krueger Favour

Why did you become a Police Officer?

I have always enjoyed working with people. My degree is in Elementary Education and initially, I taught 4th grade right out of college. At the same time I was working as a civilian employee for the Madison Police Department (MPD). The school district wasn’t all that I thought it was, and many commissioned officers at MPD encouraged me to apply. I applied and was accepted into the class of 1995. I have never regretted turning in my application.

What motivates you to succeed?

If you ask my mom, she’ll say it is in my DNA. For me, it is all about helping those around me achieve their goals and tackle the next challenge. I enjoy making a difference for those I serve with, and have worked hard to overcome barriers that came up along the way. I have always had the mantra if my team succeeds, then I do, too.

What’s your most memorable moment on the job?

There are so many! However, one story has always meant a lot to me. As a patrol officer, I had a mostly walking beat on State Street on the 3-11pm shift. Working downtown, I met a lot of people on a regular basis, including those that needed Detox because of severe alcohol consumption. One man in particular, Michael, was a severe alcoholic that I would have contact with repeatedly each work week. I also knew his alcoholism would kill him as he also had severe medical issues. One day, after having contact with him for the third time in one week, I told him I didn’t want him to die. In his haze, I wasn’t sure he understood what I was saying, but I told him I cared about him and I didn’t want to be the one that found him beyond help. After that day, I didn’t see him for almost a year and I thought the worst. About 11 months later I was walking through a public area of our Central Station and a man called out to me, “Hey Officer Jen!” I turned, and didn’t recognize the man who said my name. It was Michael. He had come to the station to find me and thank me for saving his life. He said he remembered I told him I cared about him and that encouraged him to get sober. He is still doing well today…

What challenges have you faced?

Trying to communicate with people who can’t check their egos at the door is one of my biggest challenges. Many times I would have more knowledge about a particular situation, but because my rank wasn’t the same as theirs, I couldn’t possibly know more than them. Also, working with people who are not in law enforcement, but think they know everything there is to know about policing is also extremely challenging. I have learned patience during my almost three decades of policing.

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

Apply. Follow your dreams and don’t ever give up. The glass ceiling is still there, and we need determined women to continue to shatter it at every step. Along the journey, remember to take care of yourself. You can only help others if you take care of yourself first.