At 25, Dublin’s newest police officer brings some varied experience to the position and is looking to gain more through the benefits of a smaller department. Zoie Barnett, a Celina native, was sworn into Dublin PD Monday, March 10 but she is no stranger to the town and area. After graduating, she attended Tarleton State University and worked as a corrections officer with Erath County Sheriff’s Office.
“I loved the area when we went to school out here,” she said, referring to her and her husband. “I grew up with the small town feel. It’s definitely more my pace.”
Some opportunities found her working in a bigger department though. After serving Eastland County Sheriff’s Office, she worked for Colleyville, mainly handling night patrols.
“I had a ton of training opportunities when I was with them,” she said of the department serving a city of around 26,000. Barnett also helped start an internship program while there.
Because it was a larger department, Barnett wasn’t getting much experience outside of her assigned role and that doesn’t fit with her goals.
“I want to be a more well-rounded officer,” said Barnett. “My goal is to be multi-faceted.”
This is particularly true of investigation.
“[In Colleyville], you alwayspassoff investigation to CID (Criminal Investigations Division),” She said. “When it comes to investigations since [Dublin is] a smaller department, it’s like everyone’s on deck.”
This made it feel like a natural fit when she heard from Sergeant Kristi Bonilla the Dublin PD was hiring. (Bonilla and Barnett knew each other from when Barnett was living in the area.)
“I’m super excited, “ Barnett said of coming to DPD. “It’s definitely a change of pace but I feel like there’s more room for pro-activity. You can focus on what you want to focus on.”
“There’s going to be a learning curve, but I’m excited because it’s what I want to do,” Barnett said, especially referring to getting investigation experience. “I want to be able to ask the right questions, know who I’m talking to and get the answers I’m looking for.”
When asked her favorite part of the job, Barnett said it’s helping others and putting bad guys in jail.
“I’m excited to serve the community and ready to get to work,” she added.