Q&A with Deputy Amstutz

Questions and Answers Q: What are your titles/certified in? A: Deputy Constable K-9 Handler,Advanced Peace Officer andCertified Crime Prevention Specialist Q: How long have you been an officer? Have you always been in the Houston area? A: I have been an officer for over13 years. The first 3 years of my career, I worked patrol on the east side of Harris county. I have beenworking patrol overthe last 10 years in East Montgomery County. Q: What made you want to become an officer? A: I wanted to both help people anda job that challenged me daily. Q: If you hadn't gone into law enforcement, what profession would you be in? A: That's hard to imagine because I love law enforcement so much, however if I had to choose I would have been a teacher. Q: What do you feel is a common misconception that people have with law enforcement? A: That officers are unapproachable and enjoy making people's lives harder when we encounter them. Q: You've overseen the additional patrol program here in Woodridge Forest for over a year now. Is there any advice that you would like to give the residents or anything you notice you would like to mention? A: I would remind the residents to lock, take, andhide their belongings in their vehicles and don't hesitate to call inany suspicious activity into dispatch (non-emergency number). Also remember to utilize ahome alarm if you have one, use the vacation watch programs that are offered, slow down when driving through the neighborhood, and to look out for each other/get to know your neighbors. Q: You currently have a K9. What can you tell me about him? A: His name is Dino. He is 6 years old and was born in Holland, The Netherlands and I speak Dutch to him. He is a MalHerd (mix between Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd). He is certified as a Narcotics detection dog and is currently in training for human tracking. He lives with the family and I. He is my son with four legs. Q: What was the most interesting thing that has happened to you while on the job? A: The random acts of kindness from citizens, both adults and children when least expected. It helps with the coping of what this job canbring. Q: What do you like most about your job? A: I reallyenjoy helping assure that people are safe daily and getting bad people off our streets. Q: Anything else you would like to share? A: I appreciate people, like Woodridge Forest residents, who care about their community and the open lines of communication that we share in the community. Q: What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee and why? A: I would love to meet "Ponch" from CHIPS Patrol. He was my idol growing up and I often day dreamed about being him one day. Q: What are the 3 must haves in your car? A: Air conditioning, fresheners, and a phone charger.