Behind the Badge

Finding purpose and wearing the blue

Sitting at a local coffee shop with badge on and handgun in its holster at her hip, Fargo Police detective Junell Krabbenhoft quietly stated, “I’m a small town girl just doing what I love to do.”

When she was six years old, this Sabin, Minnesota, farm girl spent little time playing with Barbie dolls, Care Bears, or Cabbage Patch Kids. Instead, Krabbenhoft recalls being captivated by former NFL football player, Fred Dryer, who starred as Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter in the 1980s television series, “Hunter.” Together with his partner, Detective Sergeant Dee Dee McCall, Hunter investigated homicides for the Los Angeles Police Department. Krabbenhoft determined early on that she would one day work in law enforcement. It was simply a matter of time.

In high school, Krabbenhoft excelled in various sports, playing volleyball, softball, and basketball. She attended the University of Mary, Bismarck, on an athletic scholarship. In 2001, she graduated with bachelor degrees in computer information systems and mathematics. After working as a computer programmer for two years, she found herself ruminating over the same thought, “What is my purpose? Certainly, there must be more.” She packed her bags and moved to California.

After completing a five-month basic recruit academy, she worked for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy for two years. Krabbenhoft found that she missed the Midwest’s four distinct seasons and her family. She longed to be close enough to see her niece and nephew as they grew, so she moved back to Fargo.

For more than three years, she worked the 4:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. swing shift as a patrol officer. This April, she moved to the criminal investigative unit in the police department. Working in the support services division, she primarily deals with property crimes — robberies, burglaries, thefts, vandalisms, and vehicle break in reports. “In Fargo we see a variety of crimes and criminals. Much more happens in Fargo than what people think,” Krabbenhoft asserted.

Serving a growing city of more than 100,000 citizens, the Fargo police force has 140 sworn officers, of which 24 are women.

According to its website, the Fargo Police Department responds to about 43,000 calls for service each year. These include investigations of homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, burglaries, thefts, arsons, traffic accidents, DUIs, and other crimes. Fargo police officers issue more than 18,000 traffic citations and 60,000 parking tickets annually. Every year, almost 10,000 arrests are made.

A self-described “reserved introvert,” Krabbenhoft feels that being in law enforcement has taught her to make quick decisions and take control over situations. She has learned mediation skills that have gotten her out of precarious circumstances. “From my experience, women are strong communicators. We can be compassionate and empathetic, yet tough contenders should the need arise. Fargo is very receptive of having women on the force. We are treated as equals among peers and respected as professionals within the community.”

And what skill set does one need be a valuable detective?

Krabbenhoft sees herself as being honest, hardworking, and selfmotivated. She attempts to use good judgment in all situations and participates as a team player. She also sees the necessity of staying fit and participates in city volleyball and softball leagues.

Her typical day may go something like this: Up at 6 a.m. Run three miles. Check e-mail and phone messages. Review caseload. Check pawn shops for stolen property. Contact witnesses and victims. Interview/ interrogate suspects. Review surveillance video. Assist with search warrants. Complete paperwork. Dinner sometime. Walk Gracie (her rescue dog from the Humane Society). Read investigative novel — presently “The Girl Who Played with Fire” by Stieg Larsson. In bed by 11:00 p.m.

Is there a mentor in her life such as Detective Sergeant Rick Hunter? “No,” Krabbenhoft said, “But, I work with very committed people who love Fargo.” Many co-workers are willing to share encouragement, observations, and life experience with the newest investigator on staff. The department is taking a proactive approach to crime prevention, including the Lock it or Lose it philosophy. “There will always be crime,” Krabbenhoft maintained, “But there are numerous ways to deter it. You and I just have to be smarter than the bad guys.”

Her ultimate goal is to move into personal crimes investigation, dealing with sexual assault and child abuse cases. But for now, “I like what I am doing and feel I can make a difference here,” she said. “I have a purpose, and each day is unique.”

[AWM]