Officer Beth Kohler (front row, right, wearing the cap) with her squad from the Mandan Police Department

The belief that “… the police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence,” stems back to the 1800s and Sir Robert Peel, the father of modern policing. I feel that it still holds true to this day.

I am amazed at how our community will pull together when needed. Whenever there is a case that needs assistance from the public, I am in awe each time a member of the community reaches out and is willing to help however they can, selflessly, simply because they want to help their fellow man.

I love working in a profession in the community where my children go to school. Our family is our world, and being able to keep the community and other families safe is what gives me so much pride in my work.

Thinking of women in law enforcement and my own experiences, I think of myself not as a female police officer, but a police officer who happens to be a female. As a woman, I face challenges that are different from the challenges men face, but at the same time, I also have advantages as well. As tough as this career can be, I love that I can bring a unique aspect to help those in need, simply by being who I am as a woman.

We put on a brave, professional face every day, but I wish people could see the goofiness, the pure friendship, and the jokes that are behind the scenes on a daily basis that help combat the seriousness of what we deal with on the streets. The fellowship of these other men and women is what helps get us through. When I sit in the patrol office at night, and I look at the men around me typing their reports, I know without a doubt that each of them would lay down their life for me or a complete stranger, as I would for them and anyone else. This is the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement that not everyone sees. This is what makes this career unique and special. This is what makes this an honorable career that I’m extremely proud to be a part of.

When I’m asked why I do this job, the answer is this: I do this job because I’m proud to be a part of such a noble profession. I’m proud to have a job that makes me grateful — grateful every day for my life, grateful for the wonderful people in it, and grateful for what the Lord has given to me. Who could ask for anything more than that?