Lt. Krista Bair

Q: Why did you become a police officer?

Initially, I wanted to be a police officer because I thought it looked really cool.  I got this impression from all the police television shows I watched, such as Charlie Angels, Cagney & Lacey, 21 Jump Street, and of course, Hill Street Blues. This is what got me in the door, but I was delusional.  While there can be aspects of these portrayals, the daily in and out duties of the job are much different.

I, like most officers, also really wanted to help people.  Actually, I have an innate need to help others. This seemed like a win-win career choice.

Q:  What motivates you to succeed?

The communities motivate me to succeed.  I am talking about both externally and internally.  The external communities I serve deserve to be cared for, to be treated with respect and dignity, and nurtured like any good relationship should be.  This includes asking for their input.  This may seem corny, but I truly believe it is ALL about relationships. Like most relationships, it is a work in progress but both sides have to be willing to do the work.

Internally, it is not much different.  WE, as a department and individually, need to make sure we foster our relationships with those that work around us…at all levels.   I ask myself, “How can I expect this officer to do his/her job well if I don’t show that I value this officer?”  I firmly believe how we treat those we work with is a direct reflection of how those individuals will treat others they interact with in the community. It just seems obvious.

Q:  What’s your most memorable moment on the job?

I’ve had many.  One in particular, that is always a fun story to tell around the holidays, is when my parents went on a ride-a-long.  I hadn’t been on but a year or so, and my family lives in AZ.  I had moved from there for this job.  I am very close to my family but was ready to leave the hot weather.  I know my family believed I would do what I set my mind to do, but not sure it became “real” to them until they saw me in action.

Now, 28 years or so ago I was a wisp of a girl, naïve, and looked and sounded 12. A call came out that people were doing drugs under the viaduct.  A friend and co-worker of mine, Jeff, had my dad riding with him and I had my mom (not sure if this was actually authorized back then…).  We answered up and went.  Jeff had contacted the two suspects.  I remember getting out of the car, “marrying up” my parents as I walked to Jeff.  Just then, Jeff and one suspect began struggling.  I looked at the other suspect, told him not to move, and jumped in the melee.

I specifically remember my parents, pointing out from the sidelines, yelling out the location of the sloughed drugs.  This was more about us trying to get a resistant suspect into custody then a fight, but he had turtled up and had his hands under his torso.  I was pulling on his arm ordering, “Give me your foot! Give me your foot!”.  The guy was so confused as he replied, “You mean my hand?!”  I said, “you know what I mean!” and he gave it.  So many issues with this, I know.

But what I truly remember is the look on my parents’ faces and the discussion afterwards.  They told me they knew I would be ok and supported me.  They also commented on my interaction with the suspect after he was in custody.  I remember saying, “I try to treat others how I would want to be treated in a similar situation.  No need to be a jerk about it.”  This is something I aim to achieve in all situations.  Not always easy, not always successful, but usually works.

Q:  What challenges have you faced?

As I stated, I was young and naïve coming into this career.  I left my family and didn’t know a soul to embark on this adventure.  In the beginning, my biggest challenge was staying true to myself and trying too hard to be “one of the boys”.  I didn’t want special attention or considerations because I was a woman.  I gave it just as good as I got it.  No one had to worry about offending me.  I could do it all on my own and my own merit. And that, in itself , is a problem.

As I have moved to different positions and different ranks, I have grown.  I still enjoy a good banter, but I should not have contributed to behaviors or attitudes that made things seem acceptable.  I’m not talking about heinous things, but the everyday allowances that gave people permission to continue acting and thinking like they did.  Maybe it just comes with confidence or maturity?  I don’t know.  I do know we have to keep having the conversations. Not always easy, but always from a place of authenticity and genuine interest in the other’s perspective.  I continue to work on this.

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

Surround yourself with people that are supportive.  This means people from outside the profession as well as from within.  I have seen the extremes.  In my time, it was “only other cops understand” and there is some truth in that.  But this can be isolating and problematic.  Later generations, it was “I leave work at work and only hang out with non-cops and family”.  This has its benefits, but also can be problematic.

I believe you need a mix. You can’t deny an integral part of your life to the other part…it isn’t healthy, and it doesn’t work.