For 21 years, Michelle Jarocki served the community as a Regina Police officer. The 48-year-old Metis woman has lived in Regina her whole life and is proud to serve and protect the community she resides in. Currently, she is the Staff Sergeant in charge of Family Services which includes Vice and the Regina Children's Justice Centre.

Jarocki knew she wanted to become a police officer ever since she took a test to see what career she's most compatible with and the results pointed towards a social worker or a police officer.

"I would never trade a single day of the work that I've done. This job makes me so happy. I've done a lot of different roles in the police service. It's so fulfilling," she adds. "I like to help people, it's kind of clichéd but it is true."

She was inspired when her friend Sonia, who has a year and a half more experience in the field, became a police officer and she thought to herself that she could actually do the job. Jarocki applied when she was working at SGI and as time went on, she passed each admission test until one day it all came together.

"Every time I crossed a step or passed a certain test, and I was like, 'Oh my gosh! This is really going to happen.'" After she completed and passed all her tests, the police officer job was offered to her.

Jarocki's successes and perseverance rubbed off on her two boys; the oldest is 28 and a graduate from the University of Saskatchewan and the youngest one is 25 who is a Registered Nurse in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Like many careers out there, there are always challenges that comes with the job. Jarocki stumbled upon many challenges of the job but she's never doubted her abilities. "Working in the same community that I grew up in and dealing with people that I know, that's a challenge all the time," she says. "There are family members that had been involved in the criminal justice system and trying to make sure to keep your family close and keep the job separate. I never really had a problem with that, it's a small challenge."

Throughout her years of service, she had great work partners and has never had issues with a partner. They have helped her develop as a police officer and a person.

"My partner who is now retired, Brian Belliveau, is somebody I look up to and I still value him in my life and all the things he taught me early on as police officer and as a person and a friend. I value him and his direction he's given me over the years," she says. "Find a good mentor. Even if you find someone in the police force or someone who steers you in the right path."

Jarocki worked on a lot of big cases both when she was a forensic identification investigator and then a major crimes detective. She processed crime scenes like on CSI and interviewed and got confessions from people accused of murder.

"Don't be scared and don't be afraid to shine. Don't be afraid no matter who tells you that it's not a possibility for you. You've got to really look past that and believe that you can do anything that you set your mind to," she adds. "I would encourage any young person if they are thinking of doing a job like this. It's a great career. I'd recommend it to anyone....being a Métis woman police officer in Regina a terrific experience."