This is the fourth of six stories in our series that will examine the unique assignments within the Prince William County Police Department.
When Assistant Chief Dawn Harman was growing up in Prince William County, she imagined a very different career path. Harman majored in veterinary science in college and was once with the Animal Control Unit of the Prince William County Police Department. Now Harmanās days are filled with duties that help keep the Prince William County Police Department a well-oiled machine.
All in a Day
Harmanās day may start with a series of meetings or just a clearing of ongoing matters on the desk in her office. She may also be called to Roll Call to speak on issues affecting the department.
Currently, this means fielding concerns about the heightened dangers of police work.
āPeople never call us when they are having their best day,ā explained Harman. āThe only difference between a cop and someone else is they [the perpetrators] have made a bad decision or had something bad happen to them.ā
Harman wants those that are considering law enforcement as a career to know that public perception is hyped by media.
āPeople have always been fascinated with law enforcement,ā she said, noting that officers are scrutinized every day by people with cell phone cameras, written about on blogs, and featured on social media. It is important to keep a sense of balance, remembering that the people they serve are no different than they are.
Up in the Ranks
From hiring to patrol to promotion, there is a sense of dedication, thoroughness, and fraternity, Harman said. While some also call the career a passion or a calling, Harman noted, āI think this is like any other job. You need skills.ā Academy for new recruits is held in January and July. Harman said that through that process you can see who has skills and who will make the cut.
Also needed is the ability to take on opportunity. There are always job openings in different units, leading to some great opportunities. Harman knows this firsthand. Starting as an animal control officer, she moved up through different positions and ranks while juggling family and career, working in crime prevention and as Western District Commander while with the department.
Meeting the challenges of the job can definitely mean promotion. Others pay attention to rank, and Harman can remember considering it a big deal. Promotions are completely elective and based on consideration of skills as well.
āWe try to balance everything the best we can,ā Harman said about the promotion process, noting that they work with several different evaluation styles adjusting for issues, such as test anxiety.
When asked about rank, Harman called sergeant the toughest. The sergeant is no longer just āone of the troops,' and a friendly detachment becomes necessary.
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