Supporting detective squad ‘favorite job ever’
“I’ve had a lot of jobs. But I’d have to say my most favorite job ever was secretary for the detective division at the Baytown Police Department.
“You remember those old detective shows on TV back in the ‘70s? It was like that, only I was living it.
“They would bring in somebody who had done something bad, like a murder suspect, and start asking questions. It was my job to take down the statements in shorthand, and then type it all up on the IBM machine for them to read and sign.
“It wasn’t unusual for it to be the middle of the night, since that’s when a lot of crimes happen. They would send a patrol car to my house and bring me in. I was in my early 30s and single, with a young daughter. Until she was old enough to stay by herself, I would take her to my mother’s house. After they brought me home, I’d have trouble falling back asleep, just thinking about it all.
“It was a great job. I loved it from day one. With the different cases, there was something going on all the time.
“I got to know three or four of the detectives very well. I got to know their families. Those guys were just wonderful to me and my daughter. I was divorced and raising her by myself. It’s like they took us in and kind of looked after us.
“I also got to know Judge R.L. Smith, who would give the Miranda warning to the prisoners. He ended up stealing me to come work as his chief clerk. I did that until I moved to Colorado, where I worked for a district attorney.
“I’ve been a realtor now for 25 years in Aurora, right outside of Denver. After working in the criminal justice system so long, and being exposed to the criminal element, I figured I needed a change.
“Those jobs definitely helped make me a stronger person. They showed I can deal with the worst of society. But I was ready to do something where I made people happy. Selling homes, especially to first-time buyers, they’re very happy.”
— Nellie Harris-Cassel
She was known as Nelda Page when she worked at Baytown Police Department.
