This Great American Warrior article is brought to you by our partner, philanthropist, and LEO supporter Trudy Jacobson.
If you ask average Americans what comes to mind when they think about the role of a police officer, they'll likely describe a cop driving around in their police cruiser patrolling a neighborhood.That’s just one aspect of law enforcement, there are many others. Regardless of the position and role an officer plays, there is one thing that all officers have in common – they were all new, inexperienced officers at the beginning of their careers.
One of these roles, and a critical one, is the Field Training Officer, or FTO. FTOs help officers out of the academy build a knowledge base and help them create a foundation of effective policing.
But only a select few are qualified to be an FTO. It requires a special skillset that includes deep policy knowledge, field experience, and most importantly communication skills.
Officer Jaclyn Gooding is one of those troopers. But she didn’t know that when she started, she only knew she wanted to join the Highway Patrol.
“Being in the highway patrol was the only agency that I wanted to do and that I put in for. There are so many opportunities within our agency specifically, even aside from Highway Patrol that I thought was a really cool opportunity,” Gooding told LET.
Gooding was drawn to law enforcement as a career because of the many positive experiences she had growing up.
“I always had great interactions growing up and just seeing the positivity that they bring to our community,” she added.
As a civilian, Gooding befriended troopers whom she admired and looked up to and that became part of the inspiration to pursue their department. However, they were all males. She freely admits to having reservations about becoming a trooper as a female.
But she got through it and offered general advice for other women considering joining the Texas Highway Patrol.
“As a woman going into law enforcement, I think naturally you’re going to feel a little hesitation. You’re going to wonder, ‘Am I going to be affected in a negative way? Am I going to be held back because I’m a woman?’ I can tell you from my personal experience I never felt that. If anything, I feel like my successes are things that I’ve used from a female perspective, things that were benefits as being a female in law enforcement,” Gooding said.
She continued, “In DPS [Department of Public Safety] specifically we’ve seen many of our leaders in some of our up-and-coming positions in a big push because we want women in law enforcement.”
As a woman, Gooding understands firsthand how her skillset sets her apart from her male counterparts. And this difference can be applied in the day-to-day law enforcement interactions.
"Being a woman in law enforcement and interacting with the public, I think you have a little bit of relatability because almost everyone has been a mother that they are aware of. Or a sister or someone of that nature that they may be a little more tender-hearted than the typical 'masculine male roles' that are played," Trooper Gooding said.
She added, “Especially if you’re friendly and respectful to people, most people are that way back.”
Trooper Gooding’s philosophy and ability to communicate well with others are part of the reason her department chose her to become a Field Training Officer. She mentors and trains young officers in the art of communication and effective policing.
Today she continues to mentor and train the next generation of Highway Patrol officers, and she does so brilliantly, which is what makes her a Great American Warrior.
A Message from Trudy Jacobson
“It is admirable when someone chooses to help, train, and mentor other people. Jaclyn demonstrates true dedication to the law enforcement profession.”
– Trudy Jacobson
To learn more about Trudy Jacobson and her support of female first responders, veterans, and entrepreneurs, go to www.TrudyJacobson.com
Subscribe to Trudy Jacobson’s YouTube channel to watch the other Great American Warrior interviews at https://www.youtube.com/@trudyjacobsonta
----------------
Writer Eddie Molina is a veteran and has over 25 years of combined LEO/military service. He owns and operates the LEO apparel and accessory company www.BuyHeroStuff.com
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments
2025-02-07T18:34-0500 | Comment by: Laurence
It is OK to promote females if they are competent, and can pass the same standards as male officers. Favoring an officer because they are female, however, is unfair to everyone.