Recently, City Councilwoman Sheila Patterson-Harris put police officer Sharniece King in the social media spotlight for being the third-ever African American officer. On Monday King spoke with EverythingLubbock.com and KAMC News.
King said about five years ago she had a life-changing experience.
“Police officers were first on that call,” said King. “They not only helped me through the entire situation, they gave me advice, and that stuck with me,” said King.
King knew she was undertaking a long, but worthwhile journey, when she applied for the Lubbock Police Academy in 2017. For almost two years, inspired by both this experience and her family’s history in criminal justice and law enforcement, she has represented Lubbock Police Department.
As a minority, she said she still has to deal with issues that come with the color of her skin.
“Throughout the years I have had with LPD, some of the struggles that I have had are some of the calls I went on. Some people have had comments. They’ve said some racial slurs.”
However, she said LPD and most of the community have supported her journey in the black and blue.
“There is always that small percentage that might have something negative to say,” she said. “I am just so thankful to be a part of a department that influences and impacts our community.”
King hoped her role in the department would continue to inspire other minorities trying to achieve their goals and dreams.
“Believe that we can accomplish any type of goal we want to in life no matter the numbers. It is important to take on those challenges in life. You never know you can be that positive role model or the next person wanting to do the same thing you want to accomplish,” said King.
