Mastering every branch of law enforcement

South Texas College student Claudia Becerra exchanged a long-time career as a corrections officer to pursue a different side of law enforcement: becoming a peace officer.

“I have eight years of experience in corrections where I moved up to all the way to lieutenant, but I didn’t want it to be my whole career,” she said. “I’m grateful to the San Benito Police Department for taking me in and sponsoring my new journey at STC.”

Born in California, but raised in Texas, the 30-year-old grew up in the Brownsville-Harlingen area, knowing from early on she wanted to play a part in the safety of her community.

“I’m very protective over my family so helping protect the community is something that I’ve always been attracted to,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to make a difference.”

Becerra started working when she was only 16 years old while also helping take care of her younger brother and grandparents, but prioritizing school. To her, education is key for success.

“My mother taught me that education and constant training are extremely important for us to better ourselves and reach our goals in life,” she said. “Having the knowledge and education helped me learned how to be a leader who implements teamwork when I had 40 officers under my leadership as a lieutenant.”

With a bachelor’s degree in Police Administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville, now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a master’s degree in Leadership and Management in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, Becerra now takes on the opportunity to obtain her Peace Officer Certificate through STC’s Police Academy.

“I’m pleased with the STC Police Academy’s high standards; agencies around the Valley know that cadets that come from STC work and study hard,” she said. “I’m happy to be a part of it. I’m trying to learn as much as possible and give it a 110% to improve myself for the good of my community.”

Becerra plans to graduate the 22-week program in December 2023 and obtain as much experience as possible through her job with the San Benito Police Department.

“I interned with the Texas Department of Public Safety during college and I’ve always dreamed of becoming a State Trooper. Now, nothing’s impossible. I’m excited about this new chapter in my life.”

As a woman in a male-dominated profession, Becerra encourages more females to join the force and aspires to continue being a good role model for her younger brother and two daughters.

“We need more representation out there; I would advise other women interested in public safety to not underestimate their abilities because we can do everything that men can do,” she said. “I have learned that resilience and constantly reminding myself why I came into this profession has taken me a long way. Nothing’s impossible.”