CSI: Tracy

Melinda Pierce of the Tracy Police Department

compiled by JEREMY FLETCHER

You’ve seen the shows; you get the general idea behind crime scene investigation, with or without the Hollywood makeover. Plot twists are as follows: a crime is committed, evidence is left behind, a talented officer collects said evidence, there’s high-tech equipment, quite a bit of work, and ultimately the guilty party goes to jail. Life is actually not that different at the Tracy Police Department (PD), except in ‘real life’ sometimes the guilty walks. Not if Melinda Pierce has any say.

A third generation police officer, Pierce simply has investigation in her blood. Her grandfather, a Los Angeles PD detective, and her father, a Tracy PD detective, both inspired her to rise to the position she holds today.

“I’d go on ride-alongs when I was young. It was just so exciting,” says Pierce. “I always looked up to him and admired what he did.”

The initial intrigue turned into a career for this Tracy native, who admits that her job is actually quite a bit like the television show. Once a crime is committed and the scene is secure, it is Pierce and her colleagues who are called onto the scene to investigate and track down vital information. From there, Pierce either processes her own findings or relies on other agencies to assist with the case.

“I just really like to get involved,” adds Pierce. “There are a lot of misconceptions about CSI work—sometimes people think that there is DNA or fingerprints on everything. But I really enjoy a job like this where you never know what your day is going to bring.”

While each day brings new excitement, it also brings the realization that as a CSI detective she is exposed to some of the worst in people. Still, armed with a strong family background in the business and an investigative and inquisitive mind, Pierce maintains both a love and interest in her job.

“It’s very rewarding to find evidence that brings someone to justice,” says Pierce. “That’s the highlight of the job, using your skills and working with the department as a team to get the job done.”

For more information: www.ci.tracy.ca.us/departments/police