Beyond the Investigation
Lessons in Compassion and Integrity with the Next Generation of Law Enforcement
A couple of weeks ago, I spent my morning in a classroom in Warrensburg, Missouri, sitting across from 30+ police cadets at the Central Missouri Police Academy. I was there to share a perspective that these men and women don't always get to hear in a textbook: the lived reality of a survivor. These cadets will soon be the ones answering calls and conducting interviews, and my goal was to help them understand the human being on the other side of those interactions.
Pictured left to right: Director Tim Lowry, Author Jessi Bixler, Operations Coordinator Corrie Bowling, Assistant Director Cindy Schroer, Lafayette County Prosecutor Kristen Hilbrenner.
The way this day came about was a fascinating look at how our intentions can lead us exactly where we need to be. Back in January, I heard from Cindy Schroer, the Assistant Director of the Academy. Cindy is a retired detective who spent thirty years working rapes and child abuse cases. She is now dedicated to ensuring her cadets are as prepared as possible for the complexities of sexual assault investigations.
Cindy actually found my book while she was searching Amazon for something entirely different. She was looking for books about whales for an upcoming vacation, but because she is constantly searching for new materials and resources to help her do the best possible job for her cadets, the algorithm remembered her history. It tucked The Story We Share into her search results for whales. She bought it, read it, and reached out to me. When I met her in person on Friday, I noticed she was wearing a beautiful whale tail necklace. Whether you call it a coincidence or a wink from God, it felt like a clear sign that her dedication to her students had paved the way for this connection to happen.
The staff at the Academy, including Director Tim Lowry, welcomed me with open arms. It was clear that they aren't just teaching procedure; they are invested in the character of their students. The week before I arrived, Cindy gave each cadet a copy of the book to read and discuss. She mentioned how the reactions varied—with many male cadets connecting to a sense of justice and anger, while female cadets often connected more emotionally to the experience of the victim. But the most important part was that they were all listening.
I sat on a panel alongside Cindy, a local prosecutor, and another survivor. For two and a half hours, the cadets asked questions and engaged in a way that showed a deep desire to do right by their communities. They didn't just want to "get the bad guys." They wanted to understand how to maintain their leadership and integrity while supporting someone in their most vulnerable moment.
Being a small part of their training was an incredible honor. These men and women graduate in June, and I plan to be there in the stands to cheer them on as they head out into the field.
Pictured: CMPA cadets and program organizers
The Academy’s code is: Courage to do what others won't, Integrity to do right even when unpopular, and Leadership to do while others debate. Seeing those values in action in Warrensburg gives me so much hope for the future of law enforcement.
About the Central Missouri Police Academy (CMPA)
The Central Missouri Police Academy is a part of the Missouri Safety Center at the University of Central Missouri and provides comprehensive training for those entering law enforcement. Their program emphasizes not only the tactical skills required for the job but also the moral and ethical leadership necessary to serve the community with excellence.
Learn more about their program here: https://mosafetycenter.com/cmpa/