Carl Jensen : Deputy for Little River County Sheriff’s Office
After college, Carl Jensen began working for Adult Protective Services, investigating cases in state hospitals, group homes, and at-home health care. The job sparked his interest in law enforcement as he worked to serve and protect vulnerable persons. “While investigating a case of exploitation, I ended up discovering the truth and was able to help the local law enforcement agency convict the suspect,” Carl says. “I got bit by the law enforcement bug that day. I wanted to help protect and bring justice to those who need it.”
Today, Carl is a Deputy with the Little River County Sheriff’s Office, and though his primary responsibility is patrol, no two days are the same. “Some days, I may be moving trees blocking the highways or chasing loose livestock,” Carl says. “But normally, I am patrolling the county, making sure everyone is safe. I walk through schools in Little River County and visit with students. I also stop when I see people who may need assistance on the roads. It isn’t uncommon for me to be seen helping someone change a flat tire or something along those lines.”
The most challenging aspect of Carl’s job is responding to difficult calls and dealing with people on some of the most challenging days of their lives. “I must remember that the people are upset with the situation and not directly at me. Sometimes, people could be having a bad day already, and I could have made it even worse. Some people do not understand that we are here to help everyone involved and keep them safe,” Carl says. “I have to sometimes remind myself that I would probably feel the same way. We are all human, and even on what could be their worst day, I can do my best to make it better or keep them calm.”
After a tough day on the job, Carl is motivated by knowing he makes a difference every day. “I am doing whatever I can to ensure the county’s citizens are safe. It’s gratifying to be able to help people no matter what the situation might be,” Carl says. “I am also married to my biggest supporter, my beautiful and talented wife, Alyssa. She encourages me on the hard days. We have two Australian Shepherds: Sawyer, my baby, and Davis, which is definitely my wife’s dog.”
In the future, Carl hopes to utilize his degree in psychology to provide more in-depth training to law enforcement officers on how to address someone experiencing a mental health crisis. “We need to shine a light on mental health, not only for those first responders but also those we are protecting and serving,” Carl says. “We need more available resources in our area for law enforcement officers who need to learn how to identify people having a mental health crisis and how to get the help they may need to address it.”
Fun Facts:
My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Walk-Ons, and I always order the buffalo chicken wrap.
The best advice I’ve ever received as a law enforcement officer is, “Be sure you are doing it for the right reason and have your priorities in line.” Sheriff Bobby Walraven told me the day I was hired, “God, family, work.” That has stuck with me ever since. This job has its rough and good days, but it never will love or care for you like your family and God will.
When I’m not at work, my hobbies include playing golf and softball; playing around in the Jeep; and spending time with my wife and dogs.
My dream vacation would be in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest because I am a West Coast kid. I love the scenery up there, and it’s home to the Seattle Mariners.
If I could give all Texarkana citizens one piece of safety advice, it would be to trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem legit, then it probably isn’t.