EVANSVILLE, Ind. – For over two decades, Lieutenant Stacy Shirley has worn many hats within the Evansville Police Department (EPD). From the excitement of patrol to the meticulous work behind the scenes, Shirley’s career trajectory offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving responsibilities of law enforcement.
Originally aspiring to become an attorney, Shirley’s early career took an unexpected turn when she realized that the routine office environment wasn’t quite the fit she envisioned. “I found that basically just sitting in the office all day long, at that point in my life when I was 22-23 years old, wasn’t quite exciting enough,” she recalls. A shift to law enforcement gave her the fast-paced action she craved, and from there, her journey in policing began.
Shirley currently serves as the lieutenant overseeing Special Investigations, a role that includes supervising detectives and sergeants across a wide array of units. These include juvenile investigations, school resource officers, auto theft, financial crimes, and the domestic and sexual violence unit. She also commands the department’s crisis negotiation team. While her duties now involve more administrative oversight, she remains an integral part of major investigations and often steps into the field during large-scale operations.
After spending years on the motor patrol and in the detective’s office, Shirley’s role has shifted toward a supervisory position that requires a deep understanding of the department’s inner workings. “Being the lieutenant over special investigations, I get to oversee all the different units. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s fulfilling,” Shirley shares. Though her daily tasks may now involve more paperwork and meetings, she enjoys staying connected to the investigative process by reviewing the detectives’ work.
Despite the shift from front-line action to behind-the-scenes responsibilities, Shirley finds satisfaction in guiding her team and ensuring that investigations are conducted thoroughly. “After being on for 21 years, I’ve seen it all, done it all,” she says. “I now enjoy being behind the scenes. It’s still interesting to be involved in a different way.”
Her rise within the department didn’t come easily. When Shirley first joined the EPD, she had no family or friends in law enforcement, which made the transition all the more challenging. “It was scary in the beginning because I was young, and I did it all on my own,” she admits. However, over the years, Shirley has built strong bonds with her colleagues and now has a supportive network within the department, including a fellow officer as a husband.
Looking back on her career, Shirley describes it as a rewarding journey. “It’s been a very rewarding career, and I’ve been here for 21 years. I plan on staying several more,” she says with a sense of pride. “If I had to do it all over again, I definitely would.”
As Lieutenant Shirley continues her work with the Evansville Police Department, her story serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience required in law enforcement. From her humble beginnings to her current leadership position, Shirley remains a respected figure within the department, with many more years of service ahead of her.
