These days it has become fashionable to criticize and undervalue law enforcement and the brave men and women who serve in it. We at Webb Weekly strongly support law enforcement, and in a bid to demonstrate this, we are providing our readers with an interview we recently conducted with the Williamsport Police Department’s “Officer of the Year,” eight-year department veteran, Agent Brittany Alexander. In 2019, Agent Alexander made history by becoming the first female officer to ever achieve a promotion above the rank of police officer in the Williamsport Bureau of Police’s 153-year history. What follows is that interview.
Could you provide your background and what prompted to you to a law enforcement career, and what was the education and training you received?

I was born and raised in the northern tier in a small community that did not have a local police department; therefore, I had little interaction with police growing up. When I graduated high school, I attended Mansfield University for two semesters before deciding to join the Army Reserves in 2008. Once I returned home from Basic and Advanced Individual Training, I knew I wanted to do something along the lines of law enforcement because, aside from being active-duty Army, to me, this was the next closest thing. I attended Mansfield University’s Act 120 Police Academy in 2009 and graduated in 2010. I worked for a small department in Clinton County as a stepping-stone and eventually was hired by Williamsport Police in February of 2013. Throughout my law enforcement career, I have had the opportunity to attend many different trainings associated with law enforcement.
Did you have any mentors or anyone that has influenced you in your career?

As far as mentors go, I completed the Field Training Officer Program in which I had the opportunity to train with several veteran officers. Most have since retired or no longer work for the department but played a big part in molding me into the officer I am today.
Do you have a particular approach or philosophy that you follow in your career?

The approach I commonly take in my career is to treat every person the same and without bias, whether they are a criminal, a victim, or a witness. As difficult as it may be at times, I’ve discovered that treating people with respect, in turn, I receive the same courtesy and respect, and this oftentimes helps aid in my investigations.
What is it that you look as your favorite part of law enforcement?

I’m not sure as though I have a favorite part of law enforcement; however, the most rewarding part would be successfully prosecuting criminals and being able to bring closure to families of victims and the victims themselves. It’s satisfying knowing that all my time and effort were worth it.
What is your least favorite part of law enforcement?

My least favorite part of being part of law enforcement is the perception the community currently has on law enforcement. The lack of respect, trust, and overall support law enforcement is currently experiencing all over the country. It’s discouraging and oftentimes makes me wonder if it’s even worth it.
In the past, law enforcement has been looked upon as a “good old boys club,” as a female officer; what challenges have you had to deal with and overcome with that perception? Do you feel any extra pressure because of that?

Some of the challenges I’ve experienced would be just being looked at differently because of being a female. Not taken seriously in situations or deemed not as knowledgeable as a male. I would like to think that showing authority and confidence in situations has led to respect from fellow officers as well as the community. I think women will always feel added pressure in law enforcement, whether it’s from their peers or people they deal with each day. However, at the end of the day, we are all officers, wearing the same uniform, performing the same duties.
What advice would you have for women who want to become involved in law enforcement?

The advice I would have is to follow your dreams, set goals for yourself, and once you reach your goals, set some more. Nothing is impossible, and despite this career being predominately made up of men, women are just as capable, if not more, of having a successful law enforcement career.
How do you feel about being honored by your peers as Officer of the Year?

I mean, I’m humbled, it’s an honor, of course, but the award would not come without the support of patrol officers, supervisors, and the rest of the Criminal Investigation Unit. Each and every one of them deserves the acknowledgment as well; it’s a team effort.
What do you see in your future in law enforcement?

Currently, I am just focusing on being the best Criminal Investigator that I can be while learning new things each day. I’m certainly open to new possibilities and responsibilities throughout the remainder of my career.