Detective Crystal Nosal is the voice of the Arlington County Police Department, where she has worked since 2000. Her career started in patrol and she spent five years on the road. In 2005, she was promoted to corporal and became a crime scene agent, asssisting road officers by photographing and collecting evidence at crime scenes. She moved to public relations in March 2007.
What brought you to media relations?
I think the timing was right. One of the reasons I had stayed in patrol was to work in the evening because it used to work out best for my family. I enjoy speaking to people in the community, and this assignment is a great venue for that. This position also involves our legislative work with the commonwealth, and that interests me.
Do you think being a detective gives you a wider understanding of police work than if you were, say, a civilian working the same job?
There is a give and take to that. I certainly understood the layout of the county, our reports, and was more familiar with some of our suspects than my former civilian partner was. But a civilian in this job is usually someone who has had a great deal more training in communication. I do think with certain issues, it makes citizens feel more connected with the department to see someone in a uniform giving them the information that they need to know.
What are some of the challenging aspects of your job?
I do miss everyday police work. I do not get to drive around Arlington every day, and be “a cop”. It was a challenge to give that up for now. The other challenge is to juggle the needs of my department and the desires of the media. Each reporter wants “the story,” and wants to be the only network/station to get the good details. Sometimes those details are what the investigation is based on, and though it might make a good story, it doesn’t make a good investigative case for us if they are released. The department needs to feel that I am not going to jeopardize any of our cases to make a reporter happy.
What inspired your career in law enforcement?
My father was in federal law enforcement (U.S. Customs) for over 30 years. When I decided in high school that I wanted to do something similar, my family was very supportive. After I graduated college, I assumed that I would eventually work for the federal system too, until I started working in Arlington. It is a good fit.
Where do you see your career heading?
I think I could really end up anywhere. I know my family and how my position/schedule will affect my kids and husband has always been a factor, and it will continue to do so. That being said, I keep changing too. I like to stay in a job until I feel like I have some proficiency at it. The assignment that works for me today, may not be the best one for be to be in five years from now, but I do believe that I will still be with Arlington for some time to come.
