| Place a Classified | Subscribe today | July 10, 2009 |
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Detective relishes new job
POCATELLO — Becoming a detective was part of Karen Hatch’s long-term plan when she entered law enforcement five years ago.
She just didn’t think it would come so early in her career. “I assumed I would spend 10 years out on the road,” said Hatch, referring to working as a patrol deputy. “Because the position focused on crime against children and knowing it wouldn’t likely be open again for a long time, I decided to apply for it.” Hatch became Bannock County Sheriff’s newest detective in January and relishes in her decision to go for it.
“I’m still learning the new job,” she said, “but I like it. I’ve really enjoyed it.” Hatch said children are unfortunately easy victims and she loves working with kids and playing a role in their overcoming what has happened to them.
Helping her learn the job of investigating crimes against children is the detective who handled it for roughly 14 years, Bannock County Sheriff’s Detective Lt. Toni Vollmer, who supervises the sheriff’s staff of seven detectives. Vollmer said choosing Hatch to fill the detective vacancy had a lot to do with the position that was open as well has her qualifications.
“We figured out of everybody, she would be the best fit to work with child victims and sexual assault victims” Vollmer said. Hatch, 31, hails from the Logan, Utah, area, where she grew up and graduated high school. Her first experience in public safety came as an emergency response technician in the Logan area.
She moved to Southeast Idaho roughly 10 years ago landing in Soda Springs before eventually moving to South Bannock County. Hatch completed Idaho State University’s College of Technology Law Enforcement Program in 2002 and went to work in the Bannock County Jail that summer.
“In (Bannock) County, everyone has to start out in the jail and work their way up from there,” Hatch said. She said law enforcement is a field she sought for the chance to help people. Starting out in the jail was a great chance for her to understand those she might later deal with in the field.
“Working in the jail teaches you how to get along with some of the personalities you might see in the field,” Hatch said. “Understanding how to deal with people and situations makes your job and their time in jail much easier.” Hatch worked in the jail for roughly two year before becoming a patrol deputy. That phase of her career would last roughly 18 months, much shorter than the 10 years she anticipated.
“I loved everything about patrol,” Hatch said. “You’re constantly doing something different. You never know what each day will hold.’’ As a patrol deputy, Hatch was the first law enforcement officer on the scene Sept. 24 when Cassie Jo Stoddart’s murder was reported.
“We rotate patrol areas,” Hatch said. “That just happened to be my patrol area that day.” Outside of the office, Hatch said she is an outdoors person who loves camping, skiing, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. Well aware of local law enforcement agencies’ difficulties in recruiting new offices, Hatch said it’s something she just doesn’t understand. “I don’t know why there is a shortage around here,” Hatch said. “It’s the best job in the world.” By Jimmy Hancock - jhancock@journalnet.com
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