By Tony Burchyns
The Times-Herald
BENICIA, Calif. — When Edward Criado decided to change careers, he didn’t know what direction his new job would take him.
But thanks to a timely opportunity in the Benicia Police Department, the former teacher-turned-cop is doing something he both likes and knows well — working with youth.
Criado, 34, is the department’s youth services officer, a position he’s held for nearly a year. His main duties are investigating child abuse cases and working with at-risk children and teenagers in the community.
“I wanted a change, a challenge,” Criado said. “I like working with kids and I thought I could still do that as a police officer.”
Prior to joining the force in January 2007 as a patrol officer, Criado worked six years in the East Bay’s Mt. Diablo Unified School District as a physical education teacher and wrestling coach. He taught at three different schools including Pleasant Hill’s College Park High School, his alma mater.
Although comparing the two jobs is difficult, Criado said both are rewarding in their own right. Part of what energizes him about his current career is that he’s been able to transfer many of his skills.
“I think I really enjoy this because I am having a lot of the same conversations I had as a teacher and coach with kids and athletes that I am trying to keep in school, and keep out of trouble,” he said.
Even though he’s still learning the law-enforcement profession, his superiors have taken note of Criado’s solid amount of experience.
“It’s obvious he is very skilled dealing with young people because of his experience as a teacher,” Benicia police Lt. Mike Daley said. “He is able to deal with kids from diverse backgrounds, and he is always focused on the best interest of the kids.”
Further, Criado’s communication skills are helpful in working with families and children who are victims of crime, Daley said.
Despite his expertise, Criado had to undergo rigorous training to do the work he does. He is routinely involved in some of the department’s most sensitive investigations. Much of his time is spent looking into child abuse and neglect cases that are reported to Solano County Child Welfare Services.
“It’s not easy,” Criado said. “There have been some cases that really tug at your heartstrings. You just got to take a moment, step back, and remove yourself from the situation sometimes, so you don’t get too emotional. But you do find yourself shedding a tear every now and then.”
But the father of two said he’s proud of his service and hopes his three-year assignment will help him climb higher in his new field
In the meantime, others are discovering his talents as he’s rediscovered himself. Last month, the Solano County Child Abuse Prevention Council named Criado law-enforcement officer of the year.
“It’s nice to get recognition,” he said. “But I’m just doing my job.”
Copyright 2010 The Times-Herald