For Captain Karen Carmona, a career in law enforcement wasn’t something she had planned. In fact, she began college as a dental hygiene major. But an encounter with her university’s police department changed everything.
“They came in seeking applicants for their cadet program,” she remembers. “After their presentation I decided to apply, changed my major to criminal justice, and attended the police academy. I never looked back.”
That leap of faith set her on a path that has become both a calling and a passion. Today, what keeps her motivated is the opportunity to reshape how people view policing. “There are always negatives that can be attached to law enforcement,” she says. “I want to be attached to the positive outlook on police.”
For Captain Carmona, the most rewarding part of her work isn’t found in titles, but in relationships. Over the years, she’s had countless encounters with students and staff who remembered her long after she helped them.
“They’ll stop me just to talk or thank me for something I did in the past,” she says. “Sometimes they just want to share what’s going on in their lives. Those connections mean everything to me. The people in our community are my favorite part of my work.”
Her cultural background plays a central role in how she approaches her profession. As the proud daughter of immigrants, she grew up with a perspective shaped by resilience and gratitude. “My parents came to the United States for a better life,” she explains. “They raised me to appreciate the good in the world no matter what negativity is around.”
Language has also been a powerful part of her story. Spanish was her first language, and while she went through a period where she resisted speaking it, her father’s words stayed with her: “You are going to thank me one day for speaking Spanish.”
“Today I thank him,” she says. “Being bilingual in policing is huge. I’m able to communicate with people who don’t know English and help them understand what’s going on.”
When asked about her personal hero, Captain Carmona doesn’t hesitate. Her older sister, Itzel, has always been her role model.
“My parents didn’t know English until I was in high school, so my sister translated everything for them, even government documents, when she was just nine years old,” she recalls. “She never complained. She was proud to help, and she was part of every step as my parents earned their citizenship. My sister is my hero.”
As she reflects on her role, Captain Carmona sees law enforcement as a bridge, one that can connect diverse communities through understanding and trust. Representation matters, and she believes her background allows her to connect with others in a meaningful way.
Her message for the next generation of Hispanic leaders and public servants is rooted in both her heritage and her experience: “Be the change you want to see in the world. Always be proud of your background and embrace it.”
Originally published by at police.nd.edu on September 17, 2025.