Police Dispatcher Calls it a Career

It is seldom good news that prompts a visit to the police station, and that is why the has so heavily relied on Karen Schultz.

Schultz has been on the front lines for two decades, the first person to talk to visitors who could be traumatized, injured or even dangerous.

However, after 21 years as the department’s telecommunications specialist, Schultz is retiring and today is her last day on the job.

“It’s very important to have a person like Karen out there,” said  Administration Sergeant Sean Smith. “That first encounter can make or break someone’s experience with us. Some of the people who come in are already in bad shape to begin with.”

Police feted Schultz at a June 13 meeting. A resolution commemorating her service read, “Karen has been a very important part of our customer service delivery and will forever be known as the ‘Director of First Impressions' as she took pride and care with every citizen contact, leaving a positive lasting impression with everyone she came in contact with…”

Despite the long career with the police force, Schultz more or less fell into the job. She started looking for a new job after her employer went out of business and, “I just thought, ‘why not?’”

Schultz said her job’s various duties make each day interesting. “There’s a lot of problem-solving. And every day, you never know who needs what.”

Most often what people need is someone willing to listen and calm their nerves. “You need to form an understanding,” Schultz said. “You need to put people at ease, listen to what has happened to them and act to help them as soon as possible.”

Her colleague, Smith, said Schultz has the temperament to fill the role. “She’s even-keeled and patient and very good at listening.”

Beyond her contact with the community, Schultz also serves as the department’s records clerk, meaning she has to keep track of paperwork and “there’s always a lot going on. I have to keep on top of everything.”

Part of that role includes the ongoing monitoring of new laws and legislation impacting Schultz and the entire department.

A lifelong Marinite, Schultz hails from Sausalito and attended . During her career with the police authority, she said she’s seen the county change.

“I’ve seen the growth over the years,” Schultz said. “And we’ve been busier every year.”

Along the way, Schultz has seen her responsibilities grow, as well as appreciation from the department and elected officials. The resolution acknowledging her career mentioned that Corte Madera’s mayor commended her for her efforts in thwarting flood damage in 2005, the same year she won employee of the quarter. The resolution also pointed out that Schultz has, “over the years, received numerous letters of commendation and thanks from both citizens of Larkspur and Corte Madera and Twin Cities Police Authority Staff for outstanding performance of duties.”

If Schultz has any regrets at all, one might be that she’ll be leaving the department just a few months before the department finally gets to . Looking at the bright side, she admitted the current facility is at least a step up from years ago, when the force was housed in near-dilapidation conditions.

As for her future, Schultz said she has no long-range plans as of yet. “I want to take some time to enjoy the freedom for awhile.”