Batten's passion for community service draws her to auxiliary police unit

Posted January 21, 2011
By David Kidd
Norfolk District Public Affairs

01/21/2010 - NORFOLK — When Nora Batten, executive administrative specialist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District, witnessed the car crash on a Long Island, N.Y., interstate in November 2004, it was like instinct kicked it. She jumped from her car and took control of the accident scene, moving people away from the wrecked car, and the man inside. Eventually, he escaped the smashed car through the sunroof. Batten kept the disoriented man from wandering into oncoming traffic.

Local police said Batten did everything right — from keeping people from moving the victim's neck to positioning her car behind the accident. She even turned her tires to force her car away from the accident, in the event it was hit by an approaching car.

The incident planted an indelible seed in Batten's mind — one that grew into her deep desire to join the auxiliary police unit of Chesapeake, Va.

Batten wanted to see if she would enjoy the work, so she attended the Chesapeake Citizens' Police Academy. The academy teaches citizens about the police department and how it operates. Citizens ride along with officers during patrols, learn about specialty units like K-9 and SWAT, and are given the opportunity to fire a police-issued Heckler & Koch .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Batten made the big leap in 2008, when she enrolled in the auxiliary police academy. It's community service; there isn't some alternative motive, such as money or hidden incentives, she said. She does it for the pure joy of it, and unlike a full-time police officer, is unpaid.

The auxiliary units are a great asset to their cities, said local police. Through this unit's volunteer service, police departments are able to increase their manpower, while also cutting costs.

"I love it when I help someone, no matter what is going on in their life," said Batten. "I have to maintain my professional police demeanor while I'm in uniform, but when I get to talk about it, I get to grin knowing I've done a good job."

To become an auxiliary police officer, one must complete the same training as regular officers: defensive tactic training, which includes being pepper sprayed; weapons qualification; and offensive and defensive driving. The academy has the highest expectations for their cadets; they must score 100 percent on all tests. This is important because while enforcing the law decisions must be made confidently.

During her 26 weeks of academy training, Batten would pull her regular eight-hour shift at the Norfolk District, and then go to the academy at night for another seven hours of training. Even now, Batten has to juggle the stress that comes with patrolling the city.

"I see her getting tired after working , but she loves both jobs so much that I couldn't see her stopping anytime soon," said daughter Stormie Batten, who works here as a contracting file keeper. "My dad is a cop, too, and my mom was in the U.S. Navy, so it wasn't out of the blue when she decided to become an auxiliary police officer. Her personality fits the profile."

Batten's academy training has also benefitted her job at the Corps. In 2009, just after completing the academy, she deployed to Iraq for 10 months, working in Program Support. Her duties included: ensuring Iraqi engineers received on-post access; processing biometrics, which included retinal scanning and issuing ID cards; time keeping; and updating accident hazardous analysis. Her knowledge of security procedures proved invaluable.

Batten is required to work a minimum of 24 shift assignments annually, but she enjoys her work so much that she works about four shifts a month.

Auxiliary police officers like Batten come from all walks of life. They are professional engineers, retired police officers, naval commanders -- some even own companies. Batten is originally from Oakdale, N.Y., and Vancouver, Canada. After reenlisting in the Navy twice in the Aviation Electronics career field, she settled down in Chesapeake, Va., with husband Jessy Batten, Chesapeake police officer. They have three children: Shelby, Stormie and Josh.

Auxiliary police officers said they are driven by the spirit of volunteerism.

"It's volunteering, and it has given me opportunities that most college professors couldn't have had, like diving for evidence," said Ben Dobrin, auxiliary police officer and professor at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, Va. Dobrin and Batten attended the Chesapeake academy and have worked several shifts together.

Auxiliary police officers have the same authority, rights and responsibilities as their full-time counterparts. During her last shift, Batten accompanied her partner on domestic calls, traffic violations and an attempted suicide.

"We hardly ever get a 'thank you,' " said Batten. "When you do get that citizen affirmation for resolving a domestic violence issue or for providing someone directions, it's so heartfelt. It's really awesome!"

Batten said she never wants to face danger, but through her training and preparation, she is equipped with the skills necessary to enforce the law and protect society.

It's all about helping others for Batten, as she frequently recalls that day on the interstate in Long Island, N.Y. She could've kept driving past, but she didn't. She didn't expect anything in return and now as an auxiliary police officer of Chesapeake, Va., she still doesn't.

After clocking out from the Corps, Batten dons her police uniform, gear belt and bullet-proof vest. She is a volunteer police officer and very proud of it.

"I'm doing something to better the world we live in," Batten said. "That's my reward."