Erica Rafferty
Age: 37
Job title: Criminal Investigation Division Commander
Place of Business: St. Marys Police Department
Professional responsibilities: As the CID Commander, I supervise the Criminal Investigations Division, Property and Evidence, as well as the School Resource Officer Program. I assist in making decisions for the agency, including policy changes, disciplinary matters, and training needs for the agency.
Accomplishments: I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies from Georgia Southern University. I also obtained a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University, but my biggest accomplishment, by far, is being a mother.
Community Involvement: I attend and participate in all community events in St. Marys. I am an active member of Southeast Community Church.
Why did you go into your particular field? I always knew I wanted to help children.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was 5, I told my parents I wanted to be a taxicab driver.
What was your first job? I worked as a carhop at Sonic in St. Marys.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Always do what’s right, not what is easy.
What’s your favorite thing about your job? Most of my career has been spent working child sexual abuse cases. Seeing the children I’ve helped grow into happy, healthy and well-adjusted adults is by far the most rewarding part of my job.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career? Don’t take anything personal. Not everyone will like you and that’s ok. Give it your all and it will all work itself out.
Who do you consider to be your greatest mentor and why? My father. He instilled in me a strong work ethic. He pushed me to do my best regardless of the outcome. He taught me how to be vulnerable, but strong. Your words have power, don’t hesitate to speak out and communicate. He is my sounding board when I need help solving a problem or just need someone to listen.
When you’re not at work, what do you do to relax? I enjoy spending time with my family, shark teeth hunting, and running. Running is a form of therapy for me. It helps me process my thoughts and get in a better head space.
How do you hope to grow in your career? I would like to teach and mentor younger officers, more specifically female officers. We are still a minority in this field. In 2023, women made up only 12% of sworn officers and 3% of police leadership in the United States. I want to teach women how to use what others may see as a weakness, is actually a strength. Our ability to communicate and empathize with others makes us an integral part of the team.
If you couldn’t do what you’re doing now, what would you be doing? I have always been interested in psychology. With my background in law enforcement, I would work in the mental health field helping first responders.