Officer Caitlyn McCue: From Student to Role Model at Westfield State University

Officer Caitlyn McCue has had an incredible adventure while attending Westfield State University. McCue, who holds three degrees, a bachelor's and master's in criminal justice as well as a bachelor's in movement science, is a shining example of someone who is committed to learning and helping others. She finished phlebotomy and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs in addition to her degrees, adding to her excellent skill set. Today, she now works for the University as a full-time police officer.

McCue, who is originally from Woburn, Massachusetts, was raised in a family with a strong commitment to public service as one of 15 siblings. McCue was initially drawn to Westfield State's esteemed criminal justice department because of her love of helping others, but also because she was inspired by her father's law enforcement work.

Working as a Resident Assistant (RA) and eventually rising to the position of Head RA, McCue was an enthusiastic student who participated in campus life. She formed close ties with the university police force during this time. Around the time of her graduation, recalling, “I became close with the officers, and they told me about an open position around the time I was graduating.”

McCue began her law enforcement career as an Institutional Security Officer (ISO), a role that involves close interaction with students, particularly during the overnight shift. Reflecting on her early experiences, she notes, “The community here is very close. If students don’t feel comfortable reaching out to certain individuals, they’ll call us because we’re always present and involved in community events.”

Following her promotion to full police officer, McCue's began including teaching self-defense workshops at the Westfield Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and on campus. These public classes, which are offered every fall semester, are designed to empower individuals with useful safety knowledge. In addition to her work on campus, McCue is dedicated to raising community awareness and safety. She is now working on a grant to pay for staff and student training on how to spot the warning signs of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual assault. 

"People often don’t understand the difference between each, and that’s why the training would come in handy,” she said. “So many people have trouble identifying them too, but with training, faculty and staff might be able to recognize signs or trigger words that might help with the situation.”

McCue also gives students some helpful safety tips, such as locking car doors, staying away from potentially dangerous dorm conditions like exposed wires, and asking for help getting to your car if you're going out alone at night. She states, "We're always here to help." McCue stresses the value of speaking up for mental health support as well, urging, "If you see something, say something. If you see a friend having a hard time or if they’re giving things away or not eating correctly, contact someone, even if that’s us, faculty or staff members, or Resident Assistants.”

In a predominantly male-dominated field, McCue understands the importance of having female officers in a field that historically has been defined by men. She claims that women frequently feel more at ease talking to other women about delicate topics like sexual assault or domestic abuse. “We do a lot of the domestic violence and sexual assault investigations because women feel more comfortable talking to other women about them,” she elaborated. “I think it opens the door because people who want to come to us find me more approachable in those circumstances.”

After years of service and involvement at Westfield State, McCue still considers the University her home, encouraging others who are interested in joining its community to do so, commenting, “I worked for Residential Life, I worked as an Institutional Security Officer, and I also worked in the University’s gym at one point, so I’ve done everything! This is my home. The only difference is, at one point, it was called Westfield College. If you just want to get your foot in the door, earn a certificate, or take the next step, it’s a great institution for you.”