Kristin Pisciuneri, a 14-year law enforcement veteran, is the first female motor officer at the Menifee (California) Police Department . Previously she served with two other California agencies, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Palm Springs Police Department.

Her career choice was shaped by watching her father, who was an officer with the San Bernadino Police Department.

“I grew up with him as my role model and wanted to follow in his footsteps. I watched him help the community and make a difference in people’s lives; I wanted to do the same thing,” Pisciuneri says.

Her interest in law enforcement started early, and she became an Explorer with the Redlands Police Department. She says that is where she fell in love with policing.

So far, her favorite assignment has been as Menifee’s first female motor officer because she says it’s a great opportunity to represent the city while showing little girls they can do anything if they work hard enough. Plus, her dad was also a motor officer, so that’s very special for her.

What she sees as her top law enforcement achievement ties back to where she began. Throughout her career, she has been an Explorer advisor. Pisciuneri also has volunteered for troubled youth programs and worked as a field training officer.

“I have enjoyed watching the kids and young officers learn and flourish in this career and knowing I have been a part of their growth and development,” she says.

Pisciuneri notes that although law enforcement may be considered a male-dominated profession, she does not consider that a challenge.

“I strive to work hard and push myself to show my partners I can be reliable and dependable,” she says. “I do not look at it as a negative but pushing myself to do better has only made me be better and further advance my career.