Officer Natalie Chinea

“Officer Natalie Chinea, a first-generation American with deep ties to both Colombia and Spain, has become an integral part of the Herriman community through her work with the city’s police department. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she leverages her multicultural background to build meaningful connections with Herriman’s diverse population. Born and raised in New Jersey, Natalie spent her teenage years living in Spain, an experience that shaped her worldview and gave her a deeper appreciation for different cultures. This unique upbringing continues to influence her approach to policing, particularly in a city like Herriman that is rapidly growing and becoming more diverse.

Officer Chinea joined the Herriman Police Department in 2021, driven by a desire to bring more diversity into the field of law enforcement. As a woman and a minority in a male-dominated profession, she understands the challenges of being underrepresented. However, rather than being discouraged, she sees it as an opportunity to serve as a role model for others. Her goal is to inspire future generations to pursue careers in law enforcement, particularly those who may not see themselves reflected in the field. She believes that the more diverse perspectives represented in policing, the stronger and more inclusive it becomes.

Before pursuing a career in law enforcement, Officer Chinea earned a degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and spent years working in customer service. It was during this time that she honed the communication and problem-solving skills that have become essential in her work as an officer. While her path to law enforcement was unconventional, it was driven by a passion for serving her community and making a positive impact. As a new mother at the time, she was especially motivated by the desire to set an example for her children, showing them the importance of leadership, service, and commitment to one’s community.

One of the things Officer Chinea values most about working in Herriman is the strong support system from the community. Despite the challenges that come with her job, the overwhelming encouragement from Herriman’s residents makes the work more rewarding. She is deeply committed to ensuring that this growing city remains a safe and inclusive place for everyone. Whether responding to emergencies, patrolling neighborhoods, or engaging with community members, she is always focused on building trust and fostering positive relationships.

As the city of Herriman continues to grow and evolve, Officer Chinea looks forward to working alongside her colleagues to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. She remains dedicated to creating a police force that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and believes that the unique perspectives officers bring can help bridge gaps and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the public.

For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, especially young people, Officer Chinea offers simple yet powerful advice: embrace your unique qualities and use them to connect with your community. Whether it’s your language skills, cultural background, or life experiences, these attributes are what make you stand out and excel in this field. She encourages aspiring officers not to be discouraged by challenges but to focus on building strong support systems both at home and at work. According to her, law enforcement is a demanding but deeply fulfilling career where individuals can make a lasting and meaningful impact on their communities.

In everything she does, Officer Chinea embodies the values of diversity, inclusion, and service. As Herriman celebrates Diversity Month, her story is a reminder of the strength that comes from embracing different perspectives and the importance of creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported.”