Crime Wire: Debra Gauthier, Part II

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We’re pleased to welcome back Debra Gauthier, author of Bright Lights, Dark Places. Debra was our guest on October 2nd and we ran out of time before she could complete her story. She was one of the first female patrol officers hired under the same standards as men on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. She spent 21 years on the force, leaving it in 2001. During her tenure she faced down suspects who were high on PCP, had high-speed chases into oncoming traffic and used her martial arts skills to subdue burly men.

But not all of Debra’s battles while working as a police officer were with criminals. She sometimes faced discrimination in the male-dominated profession, suffering demotions and unsafe working conditions when other officers would not provide backup.

Tonight Debra will tell us about the types of discrimination she encountered and how she dealt with them.

Little could stand in Debra Gauthier’s way. A marathon runner, Debra excelled in the Police Academy, garnering respect as one of the few female police officers in Las Vegas. However, through her twenty-one years on the police force, Debra faced discrimination in the male-dominated profession, suffering demotions and unsafe working conditions when other officers would not provide backup. In addition to the disappointment of injustice, she struggled with her sexuality, becoming entrenched in a homosexual lifestyle.

After establishing an identity as a respected police officer, Debra was devastated when her career crumbled. Bright Lights, Dark Places thoughtfully expresses the painful reality of combating biased attitudes and the joy that comes from surpassing limitations. Packed with fascinating stories of a vibrant career, from teaching at the academy to pioneering a bicycle patrol, Bright Lights, Dark Places gives you an inside look at the career of one of the first female officers in Las Vegas. You will be encouraged by this powerful story of one woman finding grace to overcome trials.

Crime Wire welcomes Debra Gauthier, author of Bright Lights, Dark Places. Debra was one of the first female patrol officers hired under the same standards as men on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. She spent 21 years on the force, leaving it in 2001. During her tenure she faced down suspects who were high on PCP, had high-speed chases into on coming traffic and used her martial arts skills to subdue burly men.

But not all of Debra’s battles while working as a police officer were with criminals. She sometimes faced discrimination in the male-dominated profession, suffering demotions and unsafe working conditions when other officers would not provide backup. Adding to the bias against her within the department was her sexuality.

Debra will share it all with us—the good, the bad and the ugly. So please join us for what promises to be an entertaining and informative hour.