Captain Jennifer Maurstad

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

I’ve had some interesting jobs and a lot of jobs. I’ve picked strawberries and spinach and worked in retail and at a PT clinic. When I became a dispatcher with the Washington State Patrol, I caught the law enforcement bug. That job taught me to be dependable and how to deal with the public. It made me appreciate the job I have now.

What have you learned to do differently as you’ve moved into more senior roles?

To be myself. As a young officer and new sergeant, I was trying to be more like my mentors than myself. It was exhausting. I’m good at my job. It’s ok to be myself. Being myself makes me a better supervisor to the younger officers.

Who is someone who’s had a big influence on your career? Why?

A retired game warden named Rich Phillips. He was ahead of his time. He always treated me and the other few women at the time with respect. He knew we had just as much right to be here as our male counterparts. He saw potential in me and always encouraged me not to shy away from opportunities.

When did you start thinking about using your skills to affect change in the social/public sphere?

Originally, I never thought about a career in law enforcement. No one in my family was in it, and there aren’t a lot of women in law enforcement generally. I chose natural resource biology as a degree because I didn’t want to be inside. Then I started with the State Patrol and met Rich Phillips, and things went from there. I knew I would be good at this.

What strategies do you employ to manage through difficulty?

I’ve learned not to treat everything as a 4-alarm fire even though I have to make a lot of decisions every day quickly and thoughtfully. Some of the bigger decisions don’t need an immediate response. I try to model the 24-hour rule — “I’ll think on this and get back to you tomorrow.”

What’s the biggest or scariest challenge you’ve taken on as an organizational leader?

Since I’ve been Captain, it’s been navigating police reform and Covid. I was promoted during Covid when morale was at its lowest. I’ve been trying to model an embrace of reform, realizing it is time to make some changes — there are things we can do better and more thoughtfully. And I want officers to feel relevant, valued, and resourced to do their jobs effectively.

What’s the best career decision you ever made?

The decision to put in for the Captain’s position was a small step but a big move. To be the first female to make it to a command-level position is a huge responsibility—a legacy that I get to start for other women who will follow in my footsteps.

What’s a good outcome for you, professionally, in the year ahead?

My goal has been to hire and train the best possible officers so that when I leave this position it is in good hands. As difficult as my job is, there’s always a point in my day where I am in awe of what my officers accomplish. I’m really proud to be their supervisor. And I want everyone to make it home safely every night.

Finish this sentence: People would be surprised that I…

…have two grandchildren, and they are the loves of my life!