WKU Sociology Alumni Profiles

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Penny Bowles '95

 

Penny Bowles is currently the Deputy Chief of Operations at the Bowling Green Police Department.  She was hired in January of 1996, directly after completing a two-semester internship with the BGDP and graduating from WKU.  She has been with the BGPD ever since.  “There are very few things I don’t enjoy about working for BGPD.  If I had to list the thing I love the most, it would be the people.  The people in our community we serve as well as the people I have the pleasure of working with each day.  Being a police officer has afforded me the opportunity to be a part of the fabric of our community as well as the opportunity to help people in need.”

 

Reflecting back on her time in the Sociology Department, she notes, “I have many fond memories of my time on the Hill.  Dr. Bohlander, Dr. Faine, and Dr. Grimm all contributed greatly to the majority of the classes I attended.  Dr. Bohlander saw something in me that I never would have seen in myself and encouraged me to do an internship at BGPD and become an officer.  I for sure would have never imagined this life, let alone lived it, without his guidance and encouragement.”  She encourages others to follow in her path, but to carefully consider their conduct while in college. “If you aspire to be an officer, you have to conduct yourself in a positive and law abiding manner in the years prior to applying.  Decisions you make in college, the acquaintances you have, the grades you make, your work ethic and attendance will all be scrutinized when you are applying for law enforcement agencies.  Also, interpersonal and communication skills are the greatest skills needed as an officer.  The Academy staff will teach you law, how to drive, shoot, handcuff, etc, but they can’t teach you how to talk to people or write thorough reports.”

 

WKU Sociology Department Alumni Profiles