ounty Police Department’s public information officer, has lived in the District for 12 years. Brenner, 35, is originally from High Ridge, Mo. She served as a patrol officer for a few years before switching to her current position. Brenner graduated from Missouri Baptist College with a double major in criminal justice and psychology.
Why did you become a cop?
I have always wanted to do police work. At first, I was very interested in the FBI and watching “The Silence of the Lambs” movies and police shows. I fell in love with it and knew it was what I wanted to do.
How did you get your current position?
I worked on patrol for five years in the 5th District and then worked a temporary job in the media section. I really enjoyed it and decided to stay. I went for an opening in the media department, got it and was transferred here.
What is involved in a typical day for you?
I am officially our “Web master.” I also write press releases and am the police liaison to the Crime Solvers organization for Montgomery County.
How was the transition from working as a patrol officer to being the public information officer?
It was an interesting transition. I was used to using the typical cop jargon so I had to translate that information so the average person could understand. I struggled with that for a little while. Also, just in general, writing so that people could understand more easily what occurred at a scene.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The hardest part of my job is trying to get accurate information. If there’s an incident somewhere, I like to contact someone who’s on the scene. They are seeing it in front of them and can tell me what’s going on, rather than me using other sources, which can lead to inaccuracies.
