Bella Byers, a Clatsop Community College (CCC) Criminal Justice program alumni, is gaining hands-on experience as a dispatcher with the Astoria Police Department (APD) as she builds her career in law enforcement. Bella, who has wanted to work in law enforcement since childhood, is well on her way to a successful career.
Bella’s journey to law enforcement began at CCC, where she studied Criminal Justice and learned from instructors who brought years of real-world experience into the classroom. “My instructors at CCC really helped me figure out where I wanted to go in the field,” Bella said. “They all have hands-on experience in law enforcement, and they guided me toward the right path.”
With support of her CCC instructor, Mary Jackson, Bella was able to secure a position in the Astoria Police Department Dispatch, where she has now been working for nearly two years. Bella credits the experience with giving her valuable insights into the inner workings of law enforcement.
“Working in Dispatch has been an incredible learning experience,” Bella shared. “It’s teaching me important skills and giving me a deep understanding of how all aspects of law enforcement work together. This is a major steppingstone for me, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”
Bella’s Criminal Justice classes helped prepare her for a career in law enforcement with skills like crisis intervention and report writing. She also credits her communications classes as particularly helpful in her current dispatch role. Looking ahead, Bella hopes to transition into a role in adult or juvenile corrections. Her experience in dispatch has provided the perfect foundation for the next step in her career.
APD Chief Stacy Kelly is impressed with Bella’s passion for law enforcement and stated, “Bella is a shining example of what Clatsop Community College offers—not just to students, but to industries across Clatsop County. She is a remarkable young professional, and her degree has provided her with a strong foundation to succeed in this field. We are fortunate to have her.” Chief Kelly not only leads the Astoria Police Department but is also an instructor in the Criminal Justice Program at the college. “As both a community college graduate and instructor, I actively seek out talent from these programs and truly appreciate seeing an associate’s degree on applications. Community colleges produce dedicated, skilled professionals who are ready to contribute to the workforce,” he stated.
Clatsop Community College’s Criminal Justice program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in a variety of law enforcement and correctional roles. By combining classroom learning with real-world application, CCC ensures its graduates are prepared for careers serving their community just like Bella.
