Clarissa Cole brings a combination of passion and desire to her job as Evidence Technician at the Selma Police Department (SPD).

The Selma native has worked at the SPD for 19 years, including the past 17 years in her current position.

When Cole returned home after graduating from Auburn University Montgomery (AUM) in 1998, she was hesitant to join the SPD. She graduated with a criminal justice degree.

“At first, I was reluctant to join the SPD because I was a female,” Cole said. “Growing up, I was always the type of person scared of everything. I didn’t know what to expect in the SPD.”

Cole eventually grew into the job and decided this was her career path.

“When I first started working, it was a calling from God,” Cole said. “I can’t imagine working at another job.”

Cole, 42, lists several reasons that make her job enjoyable.

“The thing that makes my job exciting is it’s not a routine job,” Cole said. “I can have a quiet day or I can have a busy day. Being an evidence tech isn’t about the money, it’s about having the heart to do this.”

Cole also pointed out the negative aspects of her job.

“The most frustrating thing is working on a case and then that person is found not guilty,” Cole said. “Another frustrating thing is putting your time and energy into a case and they’re not going to pursue it. They drop the case.”

Cole also found the time to work on her master’s degree in Forensic Psychology at North Central University, based out of Scottsdale, Arizona.

“The reason I’m doing it online because the Evidence Tech is always on call,” Cole said. “I’m on call 24-7.”

Cole successfully found a way to juggle life as a single parent with her job. She has two children, Tyree Cole, 20 and Kelesea Pearl, 13. Cole said her success can open the doors to other local single women with children who want careers.

“Females shouldn’t underestimate themselves because they have children,” Cole said. “You can be who you want to be.”