Tell us about yourself.
My name is Debora Edelmann, 43 years old (soon to be 44). Nearly 11 years on the job (started August 1995). I was in uniform patrol from the start until the end of 1999. Jan. 2000 to the end of 2002 I was a Divisional Safety Officer, which, besides educating the public through traffic enforcement, gave me the opportunity to ride the Harley Davidson motorcycle. During 2002, I was designated Acting Sergeant for the CRU. From Jan. 2003 to the end of 2005, I was back in uniform patrol. I was designated Acting Sergeant for 2004 and 2005. In January 2004 I became a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator. I am currently a Detective Constable in the Criminal Investigation Division, Division 3. This position commenced January 2006. I am half North American Native Indian and half German. I was born and raised in Queens, New York. I moved to Toronto in 1977 where I finished my last two years of high school at Mimico H.S. I then entered the workforce. I have had various jobs from working in an office to working in a bar. Prior to being hired by the Hamilton Police Service, I attended Sheridan College (night school) in Oakville and took many courses in their Police Studies Program. I currently sit on the Executive Board of Directors for Urban Native Homes. For the last couple of years I have been attending Mohawk College. I am currently working towards my Workplace Leadership Certificate. I am also taking Psychology courses to enhance my Hostage/Crisis Negotiator skills.
Why did you choose policing as a career?
Being a person that becomes bored easily, I thought that a career in policing would be interesting, exciting, and diverse. So far, I've had quite the variety of experiences and jobs within this police service.
How fit do you need to be?
Being fit is important for your own safety, the safety of the officers you work with and the community you serve. How fit? You don't have to be a body builder, but you should strength train and be able to run, so cardio training is necessary as well.
What satisfies you about your job?
When I can help someone! By assisting community members with whatever crisis/problem that has brought them to the point where they feel they need to call the police. Treating members of the public as I would expect any member of my family to be treated. Being a Hostage/Crisis Negotiator is especially satisfying for me.
What really surprises you about being a police officer?
The amount of social work we actually do and the amount of paperwork. I thought when I quit working in the office type jobs and started a career in policing, I would have less paperwork...I was wrong! I'm not complaining though, luckily by working in an office I have learned to type very fast, and this helps!
What do friends and family think of your work?
All of my friends and family are extremely supportive of the work I do. My sister always says how lucky I am because I'm working at a job that I'm actually interested in.
Would you recommend a career in policing?
I would highly recommend a career in policing. But, if you choose a career in policing, my best advice is to keep having fun (but don't forget to be professional), don't become tainted and cynical, and always treat the people you deal with as you would expect a member of your family to be treated. There is so much opportunity in a career in policing. Remember, it's all up to you, you make the job good or bad, not anyone else! After 11 years, I am still enjoying this job very much! I feel very fortunate. As far as jobs go, this is a pretty good gig!
If you have a question, please send me an e-mail at dedelmann@hamiltonpolice.on.ca