ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

Student Name:

Monique Suarez

Printed Name of Person

Interviewed:
Role of Individual:

Place of Business:

Business Address:

Period:

7th

Zack Harkness
___Mentor ___Other Professional #1 _X_Other Professional #2
Cleveland PD
Houston Fire Department
Coast Guard Reserve Texas City
226 Peach Street
Cleveland, TX 77327
600 Jefferson St 7th Floor
Houston, TX 77327

Phone Number:
Date of Interview:

310 FM 2004
Texas City, TX 77591
281-592-2622
832-394-6700
409-978-2718
April 20, 2016

Type of Interview: ___ In Person ___ Telephone* _X_Email*

*Documentation Required (Attach E-mail to Interview Verification Page)

1. For someone working in your field, please describe the fantasies versus realities of the job.
(fantasy vs. reality)

When I became a police officer I wanted to ultimately save the world and protect innocent people in my
community from crime. I also thought being a police officer would be glamorous. In reality, I cannot
change everything and keep everyone in my community safe, but I do my best to make my corner of the
world a little better. Also, police work is not glamorous and today, there is a hatred and distrust directed
toward police officers. Our work involves long hours, low pay, and oftentimes we are not appreciated. I
love my job as a public servant and will continue to serve as a fireman, police officer, and a member of
the United States Coast Guard.
2. What is your current educational level? What continuing education and training are required?
(educational level and requirements)

3 years of college (61 Credits)

Military college credits (35)
Peace Officer Training Hours: 2,500 including field training Officer and Instructor
1 Police Academy
2 Fire Academies
Certified Arson, EMT, and fire inspector
Revised Fall 2013

3. Please describe the typical day to day activities of someone working in your field.
(day-to-day activities)

I patrol Cleveland and respond to calls as they come in. Oftentimes, we investigate our calls without the
need for a detective. I am oftentimes the first individual on the scene of a crime, whether it is a burglary,
simple assault, or even more heinous scenes such as sexual assaults or murders. If necessary I will hold
the scene until additional law enforcement and first responders arrive. Police work is non-stop and can
be very dangerous. One of my main concerns is that individuals accused of crimes are given a fair trial
in which law enforcement have done their jobs and the defendant is found guilty of the crime for which
he is accused.
4. How secure are you in your current position? What do you think is the future of your field?
(job security)

The public safety sector is historically safe from layoffs. Throughout the years I have seen budget cuts,
however I have never been close to losing my job. As the population increases, the need for additional
law enforcement officers is inevitable and thus, I feel that the future of my field is one that is growing in
numbers rather than declining like many other fields.
5. What is a typical (average or lowest to highest) salary of someone working in your field?
(salary)

In the Houston area the pay for a full-time fire fighter with 2 years of experience is $33,000$54,000. The pay for a full-time Coast Guard at my pay rate and time in is approximately $55,000. The
pay rate for a 10 year Police Officer in the Houston area is $45,000-65,000, less in the further
surrounding and smaller counties.
6. What potential for growth is there in your field?
(growth potential)

Being cross trained in both police and fire opens many growth opportunities. Eventually I will be able
to choose and accept positions including but not limited to arson investigator, fire inspector, driver/pump
operator, swat team member, crime scene investigator, instructor, and supervisor in each field.
7. What do you enjoy most about working in your field?

I enjoy being trained and experienced in offering help ands assistance when the public needs it the most.
I like how each day and call is different, however I have responded to 100s if not thousands of calls of
the same type of nature.
8. On average, about how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Do you take your work home
frequently?

The sleep cycle is one of my biggest complaints working in public safety. As a fire fighter we work 24hour shifts. So when we have a busy day and night, which happens often, it makes for a rough next day.
However, there are many fire stations throughout the Houston area that do sleep all night. As a Police
Officer my favorite shift is the night shift. It was a game of cops and robbers each shift and was very
busy. However, attempting to sleep during the day was a struggle when I was off and trying to adapt to
my family life.
Revised Fall 2013

9. What are your work hours typically? Do they differ?

The Houston fire schedule is 24hrs on (6:30am-6:30am) 24hrs off, 24hrs on, 5 days off.
Police typically work either a 12 hr. shift 3-4 days a week. Or 5 8hr shifts. Some however work 4-10hr
shifts. As a Coast Guard we typically work an 8 hr. day. However, being in public safety, that schedule
could change at any time to better serve the public.
10. What has been the most dangerous encounter you have experienced on duty?

I cant really narrow the most dangerous call over the past 11 years. I have countless calls where I had
to physically restrain a combative person, been in high speed car chases where they resisted after being
caught, chased suspects through the woods at night, went up to a suspects doors all over the county and
arrested them for warrants, kicked in drug dealers doors, entered burning buildings, entered buildings
where suspects were currently inside committing burglary, and numerous other incidents.

Revised Fall 2013