Deputy brings love of learning, law enforcement to new job

Deputy Jessica Rivera is stepping out of her patrol car and into the classroom for her new assignment as the school resource officer.

But the nontraditional setting, she said, just might make her a better cop.

"I've always said it's not the excitement. It's not the flashing lights or the badge or the gun," she explained. "It's because I want to help people. Hopefully, I can make an impact on a person in a positive way, much like a teacher would."

Rivera, 28, was raised in a home where education was always a priority, she said. After high school, she moved from Oregon to Nevada where she earned a degree in physical anthropology from the University of Nevada, Reno.

While in college, she worked as a reserve deputy for the Carson City Sheriff's Department and was offered a full-time job after graduation.

"It's been great," she said. "It's opened up so many doors of opportunity for me."

Now four years later, she is pursuing her master's degree in education. When she heard the former school officer Scott Davis was leaving to take over as deputy chief of Carson City Juvenile Detention, she was eager to take over.

As school resource officer, Rivera will work with deans and other administrators to handle all calls dealing with juveniles breaking the law.

The school officer position was instated in 2000 using a grant through the Carson City Sheriff's Department. When the grant expired in 2003, the sheriff's department continued the program.

"I view our role in the school district as a support role," said Sheriff Kenny Furlong. "I believe education is the school district's responsibility. We are only there to support that in the event of a disruption."

Rivera hopes that she will not only be able to handle the situations once they arise, but that her presence in the schools may prevent them as well.

"From bullying to fights to school shootings, all these things can be eliminated by kids coming to somebody," she said. "I want the kids to see police in a positive light."

She'll work mainly out of her office at Carson High School but made a goal to visit all schools in the district at least once a week to help maintain a feeling of security throughout the district.

"If the kids aren't feeling safe or if they're getting bullied, they're not going to get the education they need," she said.

She also plans to attend school social events like open houses and athletic competitions.

"The kids see me and the teachers see me, so they know they can come to me and ask for help," she said. "But I want the parents to get to know me and know they can contact me as well."

The mother of son Daniel, 2, and stepson, Christopher, 7, Rivera lives in Carson City. Her husband, former deputy Geoff Rivera, is working as a private contractor in Afghanistan.

Once she completes her master's degree, she's not sure what course she'll take.

"I really like the idea of being a teacher, but my job here is important to me and I enjoy it," she said. "We'll see where it takes me."