Krista King #1058

Krista King #1058

 My name is Krista King. I have been with the department for 12 years. I grew up and graduated from college in Michigan. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, with a specialty in Law Enforcement.

 The Irving Police Department sent recruiters to my college a few months before graduation, so working for IPD always stuck in my mind as an option. At the time, jobs were hard to come by in Michigan, especially in law enforcement. I was 21 years old, fresh out of college, and eager to get my feet wet in my new profession. I applied for a few jobs in Michigan but was told that those agencies sought individuals who had Law Enforcement experience. The only jobs available in Michigan seemed to be in the largest city where the starting pay was around $30,000. After much thought, I applied with Irving PD and was hired. I moved alone, only knowing a few college friends who had already moved to the DFW area. Honestly, I do not remember the cost-of-living change, economic differences, school district comparison, or anything that would help a growing family. I do remember being out on my own for the first time, without any family support, and making way more than I imagined when looking at jobs in my home state. I could easily afford my bills and live comfortably in my own apartment while making about $20,000 more than I would have in Michigan.

There was a transition from growing up in the country to moving into one of the biggest metroplexes in the nation. I made trips home on the weekends several times a year until I started a family of my own here in Texas. There is so much to do in the metroplex and so many people to meet. Looking back, I would not have changed a thing. I was welcomed into the department quickly and immediately felt like I was a part of something bigger. It was such a big move, but one of the best decisions I have made.

After graduating from the academy, I spent 7 years in patrol, working on the weekends, most of which were nights. Working nights for as long as I did was by choice as I enjoyed the schedule and the people I worked around, not to mention the call load and types of calls received during those times. After this, I transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and started in General Assignments, working thefts, criminal mischief, and other misdemeanor crimes. After a couple of years in that section, I transferred to my current assignment within CID entitled Crimes Against Persons. I currently work homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, child abuse, officer-involved shootings, and in-custody deaths, along with several other offenses. I am a Rape Aggression Defense Systems instructor and have been for over a decade now. I am a member of our Family Support Team and previously held roles within our Peer Support Program, Police Training Officer Program, and our Positive Role Models in Drug Education Program.

The Irving Police Department offers plentiful opportunities to transfer into different divisions and sections. It also has a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and programs that you get to be involved in if desired. We are highly supported by the residents of Irving and have great community relations with our businesses. You will not find a better department out there!

To contact Officer Krista King:  kking@cityofirving.org