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FEATURED OFFICER: SERGEANT HOOTEN

1. How long have you been with LVMPD and what areas have you worked?

This August I will have been on the department 13 years. In those 13 years, I have worked in Patrol, FTEP ( Field Training Evaluation Program )as a training officer. I was a Detective in Sexual Assault for many years and in Internal Affairs, then I promoted to Sergeant.

As a Sgt. I have worked Patrol, PSU (Problem Solving Unit), Intergovernmental Services and I’m Currently working as a FTEP Sergeant.

2. What was your favorite?

That is hard to say because all areas have their unique and exciting qualities. However, Sexual Assault was an area that I felt I made a huge difference in someone’s (victim’s) life. The crime itself is horrific and to be able to put the suspect in prison, sometimes for life, gave me satisfaction in the sense that I took a bad guy off the street and he or she can’t hurt someone again.

3. How do you think being a woman contributed to your success in this area?

First, I think it takes a special personality, male or female to conduct Sexual Assault Investigations. These types of cases can pull at your heart strings especially when dealing with children. As for being a woman, I think at times it is easier for a child or female victim to speak with a female officer due to the nature of the crime. They have been victimized by a male, are describing intimate details and just feel more comfortable with a female officer. Sometimes in police work there needs to be a softer touch, to listen, to communicate and to be compassionate which at times comes easier for females.

4. What are your future plans?

The great thing about this career is there are so many opportunities or places for you to go. You have your choice. At this time I have two different paths that I’m considering. First, testing for the position of Lieutenant, this is a long process and you have to be committed and prepared for the selection process. Second, is to test for the position of Homicide Sergeant. One of my goals when I first hired on this department was to be a Homicide Detective. I love to do investigations, putting the puzzle together, conducting interviews & interrogations, making sure that everything is in place and that the bad guy goes away and can’t hurt anyone else. When that all comes together it is a great satisfaction and that is why I l enjoy my career with the LVMPD.