When Katelyn Fortner started the Criminal Justice program at South Plains College, she knew she was going to be around for the long haul.
“I grew up watching all the crime shows on television, and it kind of hooked me in,” she said. “I like the idea of helping somebody, and that every day I could possibly make somebody’s bad day turn good.
“Or change the outlook the world has on police officers nowadays,” she said. “I didn’t see myself with my personality sitting behind a desk. I have to go out and be the change.”
Fortner began her academic journey by enrolling in criminal justice classes. She graduated with an associate degree in both criminal justice and law enforcement technology before entering the SPC Police Academy in 2022.
Fortner grew up in a family with two parents, Jason and Ashley, and two teenage siblings, Tanner and Kamryn, who are still in high school. The Wolfforth native graduated from Frenship High School before arriving on the South Plains College campus.
“My parents are still married, and they’ve been together since they were teens,” she said. “I’m the oldest, and no one else in the family is interested in law enforcement.
“My family has always been supportive,” she said. “My mom doesn’t like me being a cop because all moms don’t want their babies to get hurt.
Fortner said that since she grew up in Wolfforth, she was already familiar with proper techniques for safely handling weapons. She used to shoot guns with her father, which prepared her for firearms qualifications. She said she knew coming into the profession that she would have to prove herself as being equal to her male counterparts. She soon discovered that she was just as good as the guys in all facets of the training.
“I’ve always been the type of girl who hangs around guys, so I’m not intimidated by them,” she said.
Fortner said that when she started at SPC, she was one of four female students in the program. One woman dropped out, but the others completed their coursework. One works for the Plainview Police Department, and the other works for the Hale Center Police Department.
“Law enforcement is such a big umbrella, and there’s so many opportunities out there,” she said. “Right now, I’m focusing on patrol and everything that comes with being a police officer.
“I’m interested in possibly becoming a hostage negotiator,” she said. “There’s a lot to consider.”
Presently, Fortner has served 14 months as a police officer for the Levelland Police Department. She said she would like to see other female police officers.
“Law enforcement is not for everybody,” she said. “If this is something that you’re interested in, you’re going to have to dedicate yourself to the training because you can’t be wishywashy in the field. You have to be all in.
“If you don’t want a career where you’re sitting behind a desk and you work where every day is different, then this is the kind of job you’d like,” she said.
The Associate of Applied Science in the Law Enforcement Technology program is specifically designed to prepare the student to begin a career with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This educational program develops the skills needed to begin and progress through a career in law enforcement.
Students seeking a career that requires a baccalaureate degree should refer to the Criminal Justice program. A student who completes this curriculum will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. To qualify for the A.A.S. degree, the student must complete a Capstone Experience in the final semester of the program.
Upon completion of all degree requirements, qualified students may receive an endorsement of eligibility to sit for the state licensure exam to be a Texas Peace Officer. Students who complete the recommended courses listed in the transfer guide for Criminal Justice and who then take the police officer academy series may be eligible to receive the A.A.S. degree in Law Enforcement Technology.