First female police captain chose her own way

Betty Augman’s family wasn’t happy when she went into law enforcement. Relatives were afraid for her.

But she stayed on the path she chose for herself. And now Augman is the first female to hold the position of captain at Morgan City Police Department. She was promoted in 2014.

As a teenager, her career choice was influenced by someone she knew from church: Glenda Hasley.

Hasley, now retired, was the first female lieutenant at Morgan City Police Department.

“She paved the way and sparked my interest in law enforcement …,” Augman said.

“I’ve been interested in the criminal justice system as early as age 14,” Augman said.

Augman majored in criminal justice and minored in political science at the University of Southern Louisiana, now University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She completed her degree programs in 1993.

Augman is also a 1989 graduate of Morgan City High School.

Augman decided to return to Morgan City in 1995 because her mother’s health was declining. Later that year, Augman’s mother, Louise, passed away.

With her degree in hand, Augman began her Morgan City Police Department career in law enforcement as a jailer. Then she worked her way up to patrol, detective, sergeant, and captain.

Determined to follow her own path, she answered the call to serve in law enforcement despite the disapproval from family members.

“My family was scared to death when I got into law enforcement,” Augman said. “They were scared I could be killed or get hurt real bad. Yeah, they weren’t too happy about that. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

Recognizing their concern was not going to hinder Augman, the family committed to praying for her protection and safety.

“My sisters, brothers, uncles, and aunts said, ‘We’re just going to pray for you,’” Augman said. “I wasn’t going to change my mind. It was something I wanted to do. I’m thankful for all their prayers. I’m still here.”

Her decision to go forth to protect the community did not mean she was unafraid about certain aspects of her job.

“Yes, I was afraid,” Augman said. “You can ask any officer. You have to have some fear. It makes you cautious. That makes you more prepared to do your job.”

Over the years, she has discovered a passion for strengthening community ties with the police force.

“Getting out in the community and helping people understand more about law enforcement” is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.

“In this day and age, it’s rough for us now,” Augman said. It’s important to “get in the community and try to bridge that gap between law enforcement and the community by answering any questions or clearing up misunderstandings. That’s what I like about it,” Augman said.

There are many moments over Augman’s career that make her happy she chose law enforcement. But one particular incident with a little girl stands out.

“With kids, there is always someone instilling fear within them about law enforcement,” Augman said

“One time, I saw a little girl and she was scared to come up to me. I approached her, and her face just lit up. She hugged me.

“I guess she was always told police were bad. I’ve had similar moments like that.”

But in Augman’s line of work, she wants to “ease their fears and help people in the community.”

In spite of the rising police brutality incidents nationwide, “I think we have a good relationship with the community here,” Augman said.

“You know you’re going to have people that have bad feelings toward law enforcement. You can’t change that. All we can do is our best to try to help anyone with their concerns or problems they might have.”

In her spare time, she enjoys the comforts of home when away from the job.

“It’s such a stressful job,” Augman said. “Anytime I can just try to relax and take a moment for myself is great. I enjoy traveling. I like going places, getting away.”

The work doesn’t get easier with promotion, she said.

“You’d think it would be easier going up in the ranks but it’s a different type of stress,” Augman said. “Different aspects of the new job bring on new stress. I deal with it well. It comes with experience.”

For those wanting to pursue law enforcement as a profession, “it’s a rewarding career,” Augman said.

Augman has a son, Sean, 16, a sophomore at Morgan City High School. “He keeps me busy,” Augman said.