Local Women Finds Success in Law Enforcement

PRESS RELEASE

Released by Idaho State University Center for New Directions 3/1/11
Contact: Christine Brower, (208) 282-2454

Local Women Finds Success in Law Enforcement

Pocatello Police Corporal, Kristen Oak, talked to the Idaho State University Center for New Directions about her occupation as a police officer. Corporal Oak has been employed in Law Enforcement since August 5, 1991. Her work includes criminal investigations, citizen complaints, traffic enforcement, and other assignments. Corporal Oak has performed her work as a Patrol Officer, Dare Officer, School Resource Officer, Detective, and now Patrol Corporal.

Corporal Kristen Oak’s interest began when she accompanied her older brother, a Deputy Sheriff, on patrol. She thought the work would be fun and interesting. Kristen knew she wanted to enter a field that wasn’t typical. She decided to enter the Idaho State University Law Enforcement program in August 1990. There was a push, at the time, for women to enter law enforcement. Her parents were supportive of her educational goals.

Corporal Oak described some of the aspects she likes about her occupation. She is treated as an equal and receives no special rights or privileges because of her gender. Her income allows her to meet her financial responsibilities and she likes having the finances to take care of her family. All officers employed in the same position, whether women or men, are paid the same base hourly wage income. Early in her life, Kristen thought she would be a stay at home Mom but, as she says, it didn’t work out.

Corporal Oak believes the presence of a female officer has calmed things down in some tense situations. Corporal Oak said she believes in treating people the way you want to be treated and that has eased some difficult situations. Some individuals find it helpful to talk with female officers. Corporal Oak also enjoys working in an occupation that is predominantly male. She likes the honest feedback from male coworkers about an issue at work or about her job performance. She has experienced times of not being accepted because of her gender. She remembered a man’s response to her several years ago. He observed her uniform and asked her, “How can you do this to your family?”

The following is advice that Corporal Oak has for women and men entering educational programs and occupations that are nontraditional for their gender. “We shouldn’t be bound by our gender. If you like the work do it, and don’t worry about public opinion of your chosen occupation.” She enjoys hearing “thank you for taking the time to care.” She heard this from a man she stopped from jumping off a bridge - he thanked her later for “saving his life.”

Corporal Oak’s plans for the future are to continue “to do the best job I can do.”

The ISU Center for New Directions is hosting the 11th Annual Women and Work Conference, March 9, 2011. The conference presents information on employment opportunities for high school and community women in nontraditional fields such as Law Enforcement. The Conference is held in the Pond Student Union Building from 8am - 2 pm.

A variety or workshops will be held. Information will be available on employment in the Trades, including employment as an Electrician, Pipe Fitter, or Painter. Other Workshop topics include: Forensics, Design Engineering, Mapping the Maze, Women in the Military, What about Biology?, Website Design, Robotics and the Future and Math, NOT the monster under the bed.

For more information about the Women and Work Conference call the Center for New Directions at 208-282-2454.

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