Interviews
- 1. Freeman 1 Taylor Freeman Technical Composition I Stephanie Anderson-Quinn Mon. & Wed. 2:00-3:15 p.m March 15, 2011 Interview with Two Professionals 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 Office 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 officers 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 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 difficult 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
- 2. Freeman 2 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 officer and US Marshal for close to thirty years. His main title is Commanding Officer 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 difficult 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, 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 first started as a police officer 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
- 3. Freeman 3 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 finds 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 difficult days worth the hassle. Though my interview with Officer 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 officer beyond the interview. Officer Higgins has been serving, as of this year, for twenty years. He is in hopes of 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 officer, one is required to go through a training academy and graduate to become an official officer. Officer Higgins stated that he wanted to become an officer because of his family. He has many relatives whom were in the criminal justice system, serving as officers as well as attorneys. He admits that when he first 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 first 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
- 4. Freeman 4 recommend the job to other people, offering wisdom, advice, and knowledge about the truth and difficulty 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 nonprofit. They also stated that their jobs are more political than one would imagine, although I was given the impression that Officer 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 officers, 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 officers 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 officer. Also, as priorly stated, Officer 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.
- 5. Freeman 5 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/>