Raquel Barnett is taking on a new position as a police officer in Jackson

JACKSON, Wyo. – On Tuesday, May 7, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office added Jackson Police Officer Raquel Barnett to its ranks.

“New to the Patrol Division, but not new to the city of Jackson,” the Jackson Police Department said via Facebook. “Officer Barnett was sworn in as a police officer today after transitioning from the position of community service officer. Congratulations on your new position, we are delighted to have you with us!”

Jackson Police Chief Michelle Weber said Buckrail that she’s really looking forward to the next step in Barnett’s career.

Weber said Barnett will attend the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas, Wy. In May of this year she will complete three months of officer training. Once completed, she will return to Jackson and train on site for another three months before working as a sole police officer.

During the May 6 regular City Council meeting, Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson congratulated Barnett and her transition to the Jackson Police Department. Morton Levinson said Barnett served as a community service officer with the Jackson Police Department for the past year and previously served as a detention representative at the Laramie jail.

The mayor also declared National Police Week, which will take place from May 12th to 18th. She remembered and thanked all Jackson police officers, past and present, “who have provided dedicated service to their communities through their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities.”

According to Town data, in 2023, Jackson police responded to an average of 33 calls per day, including 574 vehicle collisions, 195 medical calls, 309 alarm responses, 2,927 traffic stops and 138 stops for driving under the influence of other calls.