Kristen Green has known for a long time that she wants a career in law enforcement. It’s the reason the 17-year-old studies criminal justice at Cascade Technical Academy and why she’s in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Explorers program.
But instead of practicing her handcuffing skills and brushing up on her defensive tactics training, Green will be curling her hair and donning an evening gown this weekend for the Miss Washington Teen competition.
“I know it’s two totally different things,” she said. “I take down the bigger guys in class, but yet I’m wanting to do something that’s soft and feminine.”
Green said she doesn’t normally enter beauty pageants — in fact, this will be her first one. Earlier this year the high school senior was on Facebook and saw an ad for the competition. It boasted of opportunities and Green was intrigued.
“I thought, I would love to have more opportunities and to get more experiences in my life,” she said. “I just wanted to try something new and meet new people from all over Washington.”
She went through an application process, and the organization, Pageants NW, designated Green the title of Miss Clark County, setting the stage for her to compete in the statewide competition.
When she told her commanders at the sheriff’s office and her criminal justice instructors what she was doing, they were both surprised.
“She’s the last one I would have expected to do Miss Washington Teen,” criminal justice instructor Tony Shaver said.
The program aims to teach high-schoolers all aspects of criminal justice careers, including traffic stops, corrections work and court proceedings. Green, in her second year, is a lieutenant and has a leadership role in the classroom.
“I think she’s definitely got a great future in this career field,” Shaver said.
He describes Green as an intelligent, strong person with a good heart. But he also said she’s a little bit of a tomboy.
“She’s not into fashion or hair. She’s just really down-to-earth and not worried about everyone’s impression of her,” Shaver said.
So while he was shocked by the news, he and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Guild were quick to donate money to help her cover the cost of lodging, food and outfits needed for the pageant. The two-day competition takes place in Burien, where contestants participate in interviews and take the stage in a swimsuit and evening gown.
“She’s a very straight-shooting, hard-working person who takes initiative,” said Sgt. Alex Schoening, who oversees the Explorers program. The program gives teenagers an opportunity to observe the criminal justice system through hands-on training and volunteer work.
Schoening said that the guild regularly supports youth activities and causes that further law enforcement education, so it donated $750 to Green’s participation in the pageant.
“It’s just to support a young lady who has worked hard to get where she’s at,” he said.
Green has been an Explorer for nearly two years, volunteering at various parades and most recently, assisting with security at the Vancouver Mall’s Bootacular trick-or-treating event.
“She has no problem stepping up and volunteers for jobs or tasks,” Schoening said. “She serves as a great example for the young kids up and coming in the program.”
After she graduates, Green said, she wants to join the U.S. Air Force before finding a job in law enforcement. She originally wanted to be a doctor, but she soon learned she wanted to be there before you get to the hospital.
“I’ve always just seen that as a powerful thought that if you just dial 3 numbers, there’s someone there for you … no matter what situation you’re in,” she said. “Even if you feel like you’re alone, someone you don’t even know is always willing to help you in any way that they can.”
And preparing for Miss Washington Teen, she said, has complemented her career goals.
“I’ve had to go up to a lot of businesses to ask if they will sponsor me,” Green said. “It gives me more confidence talking to strangers, which is something law enforcement does on a daily basis.”
She said she’s excited for the interview portion of the competition — something she said will prepare her for being interviewed by police chiefs.
“And I get to learn about myself in the process,” she added.
But another thing that has become apparent, Green said, is that police officers have to have a gentle side, too.
“You’re working with children in distress and adults going through emotional times,” she said. “You have to find the balance between being strong and having that softness to you.”
