“The first call we answer is for domestic violence. We drive up to the house and get out of the car. A couple of guys are hanging around outside. We walk up to the complex of bright blue one-story homes. Elsa knocks on the door and identifies herself. ‘Police officer, ma’am,’ etc. The woman inside sees me and frowns. ‘Who’s that? Why isn’t she in uniform? I don’t want strangers looking around inside my house.’

Elsa tells me to wait outside while she goes in.

I stand there, in the middle of the complex. What if the boyfriend is here somewhere, jumps out and starts shooting? I’m wearing a bulletproof vest, but what about my head? Am I safe because I’m with a police officer, or does that make me a target?” …

Read more of Hanna’s dispatch here.