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works as an evidence technician.
She has advocated for victims, families and animals all over Chicago, including rescuing more than 200 dogs by convert- ing the garage in the 5th District into a temporary shelter and raising donations for a family of nine children who were tak-
en by Child Services.
“I would come into my office the next
day and there would be stuff piled high for kids or animals with food and toys,” described Block, who asked for donations on social media. “And we were able to dis- tribute that out into the community.”
She doesn’t do it for the accolades, but there is something about it that appeals to her as a woman on the job.
“I’m not a mom. I’ve always wanted to be, it just so happened it didn’t work out that way,” Block admitted. “So, it’s that nurturing inside me.”
Block has encountered numerous oc- casions where being female benefits her.
“I think being a female, it’s easier to calm the situations down,” Block re- vealed. “Generally, I’ve had a good inter- action with people. I get respect.”
But Block also learned that as a female it is vital to be quick-witted when dealing
Real Women Wear Badges
As an avid animal lover, Block has rescued more than 200 animals.
with difficult offenders.
“When you’re going onto a scene where the offenders are obviously taller, out- weigh you and are strong, you have to kind of use your brain a little bit,” Block added, “and try and calm the situation down so you’re not easily overtaken, where a man would have more of that physical strength. But I really haven’t had too many struggles being a female on this job.”
Block said she tries to bring a kind, nur-
As a CAPS officer in the 5th District, Block helped rescue a three-legged dog and reunite him with his owner after six years.
turing spirit with her wherever she goes. That can manifest in offering a female victim a hug, reuniting a three-legged dog with its owner or de-escalating a situation with her calming presence.
“Being a woman on the job, I feel like this is a perfect job for me, that I was meant to be a police officer,” Block af- firmed. “I just kind of fit right in to the role.”
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