The memo summarizes two interviews conducted by Taylor Freeman - one with Deputy US Marshal Rodney Hartzell and one with Officer Hubert Higgins of the Toledo Police Department. Both interviews provided insights into the realities of their careers in criminal justice. The interviews revealed that both jobs are more difficult than typically portrayed and require extensive training. Deputy Hartzell discussed the goals and jurisdiction of the US Marshals Service, while Officer Higgins commented on changes over his 20-year career with the Toledo Police Department. The interviews enhanced Taylor's understanding of both agencies and the criminal justice system.
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Interview
1. Memo
To:
Stephanie Anderson-Quinn
From: Taylor Freeman
Date: March 15, 2011
Re: Interviews
Message:
I conducted an interview with two professional, both involved in the Criminal
Justice System. One interview was conducted in person with Deputy US Marshal
Rodney Hartzell, while the second interview, which was also conducted in person, was
with Of鍖ce Hubert Higgins. Both individuals gave well put together depictions of their
occupations, and were able to give me an insight on how their duties are to truly be
carried out, rather than the pleasant descriptions given by a recruiter. Also, being a
female, I have had a few situations were I have been told that I should choose another
career, whereas both of鍖cers gave me encouragement. I was told both the positives and
the negatives of the choice, but was not once discouraged. Also, both individuals were
willing to give truthful information, and did not have an issue answering any of my
questions. From the information gather by conducting the two interviews, I was able to
2. enhance my knowledge of both the local Criminal Justice System as well as the Federal
Agencies.
! The interviews revealed many similarities and differences of the two agencies,
some obvious as well as some that the common citizen would not notice. Both of the
individuals provided an outlook of their occupations that most, including me, could have
never imagined. It was revealed that the jobs that they do is not as exciting as even the
reality shows present them to be. Also, both jobs are dif鍖cult and is not meant for every
individual.
! My interview with Deputy Rodney Hartzell was one that was both entertaining as
well as informational. I have known Deputy Hartzell for a little over a year now, and truly
see him as a role model and good human being. During the interview, I was able to
discover more information about him that I had not previously known. Deputy Hartzell is
a college graduate and has a Bachelor degree in Criminal Science. He has been an
of鍖cer and US Marshal for close to thirty years. His main title is Commanding Of鍖cer of
his division, but he also is very involved with the physical action and task carried out by
the deputes under him. To become a US Marshal, one must go through a long process
of training, including a extended stay at a camp in which they learn their duties and
ways to conduct themselves. The process to become a US Marshal is dif鍖cult and the
individuals must subject to many test, including background checks. If one is able to
pass and graduate, he or she will be stationed at an agency to work as a deputy.One of
the chief goals of the US Marshals is to track down and capture fugitives whom have
not or cannot be captured by the local agencies. The job of the US Marshal also
includes tasks such as transporting prisoners from jurisdictions, serving in court rooms,
3. protecting judges, and conducting the witness protection program. The US Marshal
creation began over 200 years ago, with at least one agencies in almost every state of
the United States. Each agency is responsible for the area in which it is located, but is
given the right to carry out its laws in other areas, with permission and cooperation of
other agencies, depending on the situation and locality. As a US Marshal, Deputy
Hartzell has unlimited jurisdiction and travels to many city, and even countries, to catch
criminals. Although his job consist of much traveling, he is stationed in Toledo, OH.
Rodney Hartzell 鍖rst started as a police of鍖cer and also served in S.W.A.T (Special
Weapons and Tactics) before becoming an US Marshal. He stated that he wanted to
become involved in criminal justice because it felt right. He described his choice as a
desire to change the world and capture criminals. He wanted to do good and had more
of an interest in Criminal Justice rather than Medicine or Law. He now says that
although the job includes positives as well as negatives, he could not imagine doing any
thing else and would recommend it to any one who showed the potential. He even said
that he becomes excited when informed that someone is interested in becoming a US
Marshal. He also 鍖nds it honoring that he is viewed by some people as a hero and role
model. He said that he is only doing what his job entails, but is thankful for all of the
appreciation. He described the appreciation as what makes the dif鍖cult days worth the
hassle.
! Though my interview with Of鍖cer Higgins was not as personal as the one with
Deputy Hartzell, due to my prior relationship with Hartzell, the interview was just as
insightful and I was able to develop a relationship with the of鍖cer beyond the interview.
Of鍖cer Higgins has been serving, as of this year, for twenty years. He is in hopes of
4. being promoted to detective when promotions approach in the coming months. The
Toledo Police Dept. is a division whose main goal is to protect and to serve the citizens
of Toledo, OH. To become an of鍖cer, one is required to go through a training academy
and graduate to become an of鍖cial of鍖cer. Of鍖cer Higgins stated that he wanted to
become an of鍖cer because of his family. He has many relatives whom were in the
criminal justice system, serving as of鍖cers as well as attorneys. He admits that when he
鍖rst joined the service, he enjoyed the job, and it was much more than he could have
imagined. He says that now it has changed, even mentioning Senate Bill 5, and says
that it has changed so much from when he 鍖rst started. He says that now he is required
to pay for many commodities that were initially taken care of. His occupations has
almost become a job, by my observation. Even though he did have much to complain
about, he said that he would not do anything different. He enjoys the task that is given
and able to carry out. He also said that he would even recommend the job to other
people, offering wisdom, advice, and knowledge about the truth and dif鍖culty to deal
with the everyday lifestyle.
! Both individuals were encouraging. Doing the interviews, I was able to learn about
the agencies, information not given on websites or brochures. I also was learned some
of the differences of the two jobs. The Marshals goal is to capture fugitives while the
Toledo Police Department focuses on protecting and serving the citizens of Toledo. Both
seemed to be proud of the work that they have done. Both of their occupations are to
serve the public, and neither is nonpro鍖t. They also stated that their jobs are more
political than one would imagine, although I was given the impression that Of鍖cer
5. Higgins job is much more political, especially since the overseers of the police
department are the political leaders of the city.
! As for personal gain from conducting the interviews, I now have a clear vision as to
what the occupations truly entail. Although I have had much interaction with of鍖cers, I
was able to gain a different perspective by asking questions about topics that are not
usually discussed. I was given advise that was more personal than I have received from
any other of鍖cers from previous times. These two individuals deserve much respect and
honor for the tasks that they have completed. Deputy Hartzell has received many
honors for his work and was also previously featured on a fugitive capture segment on
local television regularly, after serving as an undercover of鍖cer. Also, as priorly stated,
Of鍖cer Higgins is a candidate for a promotion to become a detective, and has served
previously in the Gang Task Unit as well as the Narcotics division. I am pleased with
both of the interviews, and I am thankful to both of the professional for taking the time
out of their busy career to help me get a better understanding of the two agencies.
6. Works Cited
U.S. Marshals Service, History." U.S. Marshals Home Page. Web. 15 Mar. 2011. !
! <http://www.usmarshals.gov/history/index.html> Toledo Police Dept." Toledo Police
! Department, Toledo Ohio. Web. 15 Mar. 2011. !!<http://www.toledopolice.com/>