Ten years catching predators: BCA agent reflects on career in honor of National Police Women's Day
Sept. 12, 2024
Heather Holden didn't plan on a career in law enforcement. But after working in a 911 dispatch center, she decided she needed to do more than help people on the other side of the phone — she needed to be there for them throughout the process and see them get the justice they deserved.
In honor of this National Police Women's Day — recognized on Sept. 12 each year — Holden reflected on 10 years spent protecting children with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. ICAC brings together special agents from our Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and investigators from agencies throughout the state to find those who use the internet to prey on children. Holden worked with the task force for more than five years as a detective with the Bemidji Police Department before joining our BCA four and a half years ago as a special agent in the Predatory Crimes Unit.
Holden has dedicated her career to stopping those who use the internet to harm children, whether through sextortion schemes, the production and sharing of child sexual assault material, or other crimes. As a mother herself, the work is close to her heart.
“These kids are so young. They need someone to help them. That's my job: Protect those kids and get them out of that environment and try to give them a good life," Holden said.
She's able to bring that perspective to her investigations, connecting with parents who are horrified and blaming themselves after learning someone has taken advantage of their kids.
As a special agent, each day looks different. Holden could spend one day helping local investigators, sharing her expertise as they search a suspect's home and interview people. The next, she could be tasked with undercover online chatting or sorting through mountains of digital evidence. One thing doesn't change: how much people appreciate the work she does.
It can be challenging to be a single mother while working in law enforcement, but Holden learned quickly that she can have a healthy work life balance by planning, relying on support from her mother, leaning on her coworkers and their families for community support and taking advantage of flexible scheduling.
Holden has a message for any woman considering law enforcement.
“Go for it. It's the best career. I never thought I wanted to be a cop, but it's the best choice I've ever made," Holden said. “If you think you want to do it, don't let anything hold you back. It's worth it."
To learn more about a career as a BCA agent, contact BCA.agentjobs@state.mn.us.
