By Pat Shaver
NORTH LIBERTY—Diane Venenga knew she wanted to be a police officer when she was 14-years old.
On Sept. 24, the North Liberty City Council appointed Ms. Venenga as police chief. Ms. Venenga has been with the North Liberty Police Department for 14 years, serving as one of the first members of the force, as an officer, sergeant and lieutenant. She has filled in as the interim chief since February when former chief Jim Warkentin resigned.
“I would say I’m a selfless leader, I did not become chief because of the title, prestige or money. The offices seem to know that and the public knows that,” Ms. Venenga said. “The chief is a new role for me and I have a lot to learn in that role.”
She grew up in the Des Moines area and earned a degree in criminology and political science from the University of Northern Iowa.
At age 14, she joined the Des Moines Police Explorer Post, for people ages 14-20 who are interested in police work. They are able to shadow police officers and get hands-on experience in law enforcement. Ms. Venenga participated in the Explorers until she went to UNI and returned regularly while in college.
After finishing school at UNI, she was hired by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s office, then the Cedar Falls Police Department.
“North Liberty was starting a new force in 1999. In law enforcement, you don’t hear about any forces opening so I thought it would be a great opportunity. Fourteen years ago I came here and I’m still here,” Ms. Venenga said.
The department started with two police officers, Ms. Venenga and Mr. Warkentin.
“I can definitely say it was challenging. There were a lot of firsts. We’ve had to keep up with the population and a growing department. It’s constantly ever-changing and evolving and it is today,” she said.
In 1999, North Liberty’s population was about 4,200. Today, the population is about 15,000.
The department now has 16 sworn officers and one administrative assistant. Ms. Venenga said they plan to hire three more officers early next year.
“I have a lot of heart and soul in this department, I thought being chief would be the best fit for me personally, also for the department and the city,” she said.
On average, the North Liberty Police Department receives 1,200-1,400 calls for service in a month. That includes reports from the public and officer-initiated contacts.
“We have to stay ahead of what the changes or expectations are going to be. For example, the development of a new high school, that’s going to take time to get built, but for the police department that means increased calls for service, traffic demand, more activity,” she said. “I would say North Liberty is a safe place. Do we have crime? Yes, as does every place. With that we need to make sure we have a visible presence within the community so that the officers are approachable.”
Ms. Venenga said there are plans to change the police patch and uniform of the officers. With a growing department and community, there is also a need to expand the physical space for the police department, now located in the old city hall, 5 E. Cherry St., North Liberty.
Though, that may be down the road, a higher priority is to make sure the officers have updated equipment and vehicles, she said.
Other goals include participating in different community events and adding educational programs, she said. She also hopes to train a school resource officer and a community service officer.
“Venenga has proven she can lead the North Liberty Police Department, work with elected officials, her colleagues, our residents and our community. We know she can handle the challenges that come with the job,” stated North Liberty Mayor Tom Salm in a news release.
Ms. Venenga is one of a few female police chiefs in the state, including Des Moines Police Chief Judy Bradshaw.
“It is rare, but I can see that changing in the future,” Ms. Venenga said.
