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Johnston Police - Question & Answer with Lt. Lynn Aswegan

How long have you been a police officer?

I initially became a sworn police officer in 1986 when I worked as a part-time police officer for the Dike, Reinbeck and Readlyn Police Departments.  I was attending college for criminology at the time.  In 1988, I was hired as a full-time police officer for the Johnston Police Department.

What did you do before you became a police officer?

I floundered through various part-time minimum wage jobs that included being a line cook and general construction laborer.

Why did you choose to become a police officer?

I have always had the personality of wanting to help people and at the time that I made the decision to become a police officer I knew I wanted to be able to interact with the public in a job that would be exciting and provide me with stable and secure living.  The “wealth” that I receive from this job has never been about dollars and cents.

What do you like best about your profession?

I like several things about being a police officer so it is hard to narrow it down to one thing that I like the best, but if I had to it would be having the ongoing opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life.  The added thrill I get from that is never knowing when that will be or what that will consist of.  Often times it is the little things that seem to have the most positive effect on those I come into contact with.

What do you like the least about your profession?

That has varied throughout the course of my career but for some time now the most difficult thing I feel about being a police officer is the negative media coverage that law enforcement receives and the constant public scrutiny that follows it.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not on duty?

I like to unwind during my off-duty time but I have never been the type to go and sit on the couch and put my feet up.  I like to work on different home improvement projects around my house, take short “weekend” trips, enjoy some nice restaurants with my wife and friends and hang out with my two dogs. 

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