Reserve Sergeant Branches Out As KCPD Officer
Image of Officer Machelle McCracken
Machelle McCracken was looking for better days. She needed them.
After personal loss, the unexpected passing of loved ones, and a rough childhood, McCracken came up with an idea, walked into the recruitment office of the U.S. Army Reserve, and signed up.
Today, she is about to complete her sixth year in the military and has re-enlisted for more service. McCracken has also risen to sergeant rank.
“I think the biggest reason I love it is that it puts me in a leadership position,” McCracken said. “I'm constantly learning new things, whether it's skills from others or upholding the Army values and traditions.”
One experience is the Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand, where thousands of service members train in the jungles and beaches. McCracken embraced all of that assignment and is still friends with an interpreter who helped her.
“In Thailand, the impacts were real-world,” McCracken said. “I was with school children every single day from a country I didn't know, but the Army gave me the opportunity to see how they lived. They shared their culture and customs, impacting me just as much.”
The service mindset enveloped McCracken. Wanting to help others outside of the military, she applied to KCPD and eventually graduated from the police academy in September of 2024.
The work has been rewarding. Though still early in her career, McCracken is currently on special assignment, assisting Property Crimes detectives with their investigations.
“They're willing to teach, and they are hardworking,” McCracken said. “I have never seen a group of people handle so much and handle it so gracefully. It gives me a sense of fulfillment when I'm able to investigate, criminals are charged, and people get their stuff back.”
Working in South Patrol Division’s Property Crimes Unit, one of the many specialized units that KCPD offers as career opportunities, is an advantage of serving within the largest police department in Missouri and Kansas.
Officers, such as McCracken, are exposed to new skills and training that provide both the opportunity to serve the community and develop professionally.
“You can learn anything here,” McCracken said. “KCPD has so many opportunities within the department, so you don't need to come in with a skill set to build one. You can do anything. You don't get that at a lot of places.”
KCPD has police officer openings. Apply now.
#WomensHistoryMonth