I have been a Cleveland Police Officer for 21 years and when I was originally appointed I was one of the first few female Hispanic police officers on the department.

My first 11 years were spent on basic patrol in the Sixth District, responding to radio assignments, doing traffic enforcement, as well as other related patrol duties including interpreting when officers needed a Spanish speaking officer. The time spent in basic patrol was very rewarding to me in that I was able to help people in the community and actually make a difference in peoples' lives on a daily basis.

After paying my dues in basic patrol, I requested and received a transfer to the Cleveland Police Academy as an instructor in the Training Section, working in the classroom, police gymnasium and the shooting range. These duties allowed me the opportunity to teach officers the skills needed to protect and serve the citizens of the City of Cleveland to the best of their ability, ensuring that the officers have the survival skills to go home to their families after each of their tours of duty.

As a female Hispanic police officer, I am proud to serve the citizens of the City of Cleveland and I hope that other Hispanic women will follow in my footsteps and consider a career with the Cleveland Division of Police.

Patrol Officer Amparo Vega #1912
Training Section