By Alex Guerra, Crime, Safety, and Justice Reporter
The Blacksburg Police Department is located on Patrick Henry Drive in Blacksburg, Virginia. Photo by Alex Guerra, Sep. 14, 2026
When people think about police work, they often picture officers patrolling the streets, responding to calls or helping people in moments of crisis. But some of the work that keeps Blacksburg safe happens away from the public eye, where employees help analyze information, oversee operations, and support the department’s response to problems.
While officers working in the field are often the people the public sees, other employees spend their time gathering information, identifying patterns, and helping the department prepare for issues that may arise. These roles may receive less attention, but they are an important part of how a police department operates.
Women in the Blacksburg Police Department are taking on roles both in the field and behind the scenes, contributing to safety through leadership, data analysis and daily police work. For women like Courtney Corriere, a crime analyst within the department, keeping the community safe means doing work that people may not always see.
Courtney Corriere, Blacksburg Police Crime Analyst. Photo courtesy of Blacksburg Police.
Corriere was recently recognized on the Chambers 40 Under 40 list, highlighting her contributions to the community and her career. While her job doesn’t typically put her in the middle of fieldwork, the information she provides helps the department better understand what is happening in times of need.
”I knew when I was going through my undergrad at Radford that I did not, nor have I ever wanted to be an officer, but I wanted to be close by. And that’s what I found in crime analysis in Blacksburg. So there are opportunities out there that support the bigger picture,” Corriere explained.
Much of Corriere’s work involves reviewing information and turning it into something the department can use. Data can help police identify patterns, understand where problems occur, and make more informed decisions about how to respond. Her work can also involve finding information that may benefit different investigations.
“I think how easy it is to find information through open-source, unpaid resources. I think that would surprise people,” Corriere said. For her, crime analysis provides a way to contribute to police work without being an officer in the field. Her role requires her to work with information that helps the department understand what is happening and gives officers another resource when responding to problems.
Her position also shows the range of responsibilities, including working with other departments, creating bulletins in her free time, and ensuring everyone is thoroughly prepared for any situation. While officers may be the most visible part of the department, employees working with information and analysis can provide support that helps guide the department’s work.
Jessica Moye, a captain with the Blacksburg Police Department, has built her career in a field historically associated with men. As a woman in a leadership position, she has experienced the changing role of women in law enforcement while advancing through the department. “For Blacksburg especially, everyone from the time I was hired here,through all of my promotions, all of my mentors and supervisors were always so supportive of me.”
Captain Moye of the Blacksburg Police Department is one of the many women working to keep Blacksburg safe. Photo by Alex Guerra, Sep. 14, 2026
Police work is not limited to what happens during a call. Leadership, communication, and understanding the town are also keys to safety. “If we see an issue that is growing, we’re very in tune to recognizing that. So we kind of take charge of those potential bigger issues before they become bigger,” Moye said.
Moye’s role involves helping oversee the department and making big decisions as issues develop. That can mean recognizing problems early and making sure the department is prepared to respond. Her experience also shows how women can take on leadership roles within law enforcement while working with the rest of the department.
The contrast between Corriere’s work with data and Moye’s leadership demonstrates how many different people are involved in public safety. One works with information that can help explain what is happening, while the other helps guide the people responsible for responding. Both roles require skills that may not be obvious to the public.
Women in law enforcement can take on a variety of responsibilities, from analyzing information to managing officers and responding to residents. Their careers can look different depending on their position, experience, and role within a department.
For women considering a career in law enforcement, Moye’s career shows how women can advance through the field and take on leadership roles. She began her career with the department in a lower-ranking position and worked her way up to become a captain. “I hope it helps draw other females into police work.”
Corriere’s recognition highlights the importance of roles that may not always receive the same attention as those working in the field. Her work shows how people can contribute to public safety through research, analysis, and information rather than responding directly to calls.
“It’s nice to be recognized, but I’m definitely someone who more so likes to fly under the radar for sure,” Corriere said.
