May 13, 2026
Why We Serve
Name: Det. Cal Broz #271
Where are you from and where did you go to high school? I’m from Webster Groves, Missouri and graduated from Webster Groves High School in 2009.
What did you do prior to getting into law enforcement? I worked in landscaping and at Ballpark Village.
What training academy did you go to and do you have public safety experience? I went to the Southeast Missouri University Police Academy. Prior to working for Washington PD, I was Police Officer with the Cape Girardeau Police Department and was assigned to their Patrol Division.
When did you join Washington PD and why? 2022. My wife is also from the STL area and we both wanted to move back to be closer to our families. I also knew someone who worked here and they gave me some insight on the department which convinced me to apply.
What is your current role within the department and do you have any specialized training or assignments? Currently, I’m assigned to the Detective Division and have had specialized training for major crimes investigation and crime scene processing. In addition to my current role, I’m also the recruitment officer for the department. This means I get to go to police academies to try and attract new officers to our department.
Before becoming a Detective, I was assigned to the Patrol Division as a Patrol Officer and as a Field Training Officer. Being an FTO was enjoyable, I liked being able to mentor new officers or officers who transfer from other departments.
Why did you choose law enforcement as a career? I chose law enforcement as a career because it is not your average “9 to 5”. I love the excitement that comes with the job and how every day is different. I played sports for most of my life and being a police officer is much like being a member of a sports team. For me, the strong comradery that you form with coworkers in law enforcement is the best part of the job.
What’s one thing you wish the public knew or understood about law enforcement and one thing you didn’t know until after you started? I wish the public had a better understanding of the extensive training today’s officers undergo. In addition to the initial police academy, which lasts between 600 and 1,000 hours, our new hires must participate in approximately 600 hours of on the job training with an experienced officer who is specifically trained to mentor them before being fully released on solo patrol functions.
All officers, new and experienced, are also required to meet state mandated training hours every year in core topic areas. Beyond these requirements, officers can request to attend online or in person training for topics they find interesting or to gain specialized skills that benefit the department. Our department does a wonderful job of providing opportunities that go well beyond the basic requirements.
One thing that I didn’t know about law enforcement prior to starting my career was just how busy most police agencies are. Patrol officers typically respond to calls for their entire 8, 10, or 12-hour shift depending on where you work. When they’re not on a call for service, they are conducting traffic stops, performing proactive patrols and doing paperwork. I also didn’t realize how widespread certain crimes such as fraud are in today’s world.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family. My wife and I have two dogs who we love taking to the park and to the country. I like to read nonfiction & historical type books. I also watch a lot of Cardinals baseball, MIZZOU football/basketball and Blues hockey (even when the teams are bad) and I enjoy the outdoors.