 Briefing Room |
 Employment Gateway |
 Get a Job Application |
 Why Join FLPD |
 Information Booklet |
 Police Officer |
 E-Mail the Recruiting Office |
 For Women |
Hello everyone, near and far. I am Captain Charmaine Veronica Gittens-Jacques. I have proudly served the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department since 1984. If you are considering a career in law enforcement, comparing police agencies, or simply curious about members with our prestigious Department, here are a few thoughts from my perspective that may sway your decision or feed that curiosity!
I was recruited as a teenager barely out of high school. Initially, recruiters introduced the concept of becoming a police officer to which I literally swore was not one of my options. This frame of mind came completely from my perception of law enforcement, the dangers associated with the career, the thought of walking around with a law library in my head along with the great responsibilities tasked on officers. I did however accept the opportunity to work in the Communications Center. This position was an eye opener whereby I was able to experience the world of law enforcement as an insider.
In less than a year of observing the nature of police work from this vantage point, I decided it was a great opportunity and a challenge, which could not be passed up. After successfully completing the tests for hire, I entered the Police Academy as the youngest class member. Upon graduation I was assigned to the Patrol Division, which is under the Operations Bureau. I have since, at some point or another, worked the entire City in this capacity. Other assignments include temporary duty to the narcotics and vice units, where I participated in reverse sting operations. The most enjoyable assignment I’ve had was as a member of the Mounted Unit; my primary partner was a Tennessee walking horse, Coe Boy, and nicknamed “Cocoa”. I also served in the Internal Affairs Unit, as the Training Unit Sergeant, and as the Recruiting Unit Sergeant.
In December of 2001, I was promoted to the rank of Captain. While this is indeed a great accomplishment and blessing, I look back on my career and feel extremely fortunate to have had the good fortune to experience the many opportunities my career affords me.
I describe Fort Lauderdale as an internationally traveled metropolitan city, which is small enough to be called hometown for many who have grown up here and remained. The City is diverse with housing ranging from multi-million dollar homes to the very economical, which are located in some depressed areas; from churches with large congregations to small one room services; from the County courthouse and one of the major jail facilities, to the Atlantic Ocean Beach and fabulous parks to the major entertainment areas.
To say the least, Fort Lauderdale has given me the opportunity to interact with and help people from all walks of life that I otherwise would never have encountered. Clearly, the nature of law enforcement left some of those people unhappy with the outcome of our interaction. All in all, I feel very rich and blessed to have had the many diverse human interactions on a personal level than most people do in the normal span of a lifetime.
My current assignment is District Captain in charge of District 3 Shift 2. This area encompasses the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach and as far west as State Road 7 and Davie Boulevard. I also served in the United States Air Force Reserves as a medical laboratory technician and was activated during Desert Storm. I, not for one minute, regret my career decision. I attribute my success to one of my mottos of treating everyone fairly and to the many awesome fellow Fort Lauderdale Police Department members! At the end of my career, I pray that along the way I have shared words of wisdom or made decisions that left a positive impact on the lives of those who have crossed my path along their life’s journey.
Thus far I have credited all of my accomplishments to my career, however there have been more personal gifts along the way. While bountiful, these blessings presented many challenges for my chosen career; for all you parents out there you know I am speaking of motherhood. Yes, along the way I am proud to say I gave birth to three beautiful children. It is notable to share that there were times which could have been a problem that were not a concern, during my pregnancies and the months following my childrens births. Fortunately, first with my benefits, insurance coverage was never a concern. Secondly, Fort Lauderdale Police Department has policies and positions in place to accommodate injured personnel as well as expecting mothers. Lastly, new parents are afforded leave to care for newborns and that goes for fathers and mothers! These three major areas that were never a concern, created an atmosphere for healthy pregnancies and subsequent births.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting the Fort Lauderdale Police Department website. I hope my story has provided a little insight for you! Take the time to surf this website a little more as there is a wealth of information especially if you are career shopping. The City of Fort Lauderdale and the Police Department as a whole have evolved greatly thorough the years. This is an exemplary agency with great offerings to those of you seeking a top-notch department and City to serve!
