Carlotta Jarratt, Retired Police Detective, Bellingham
Police Department (HDCP 15)

Carlotta is a respected leader, trailblazer, and longtime advocate for the Bellingham community. She made history in 1975 as the first female police officer with the Bellingham Police Department and was among the first women to graduate from the National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

During her distinguished 33-year career (1975–2008), Carlotta served as both a patrol officer and detective, specializing in crisis negotiation, sexual assault investigations, child advocacy, domestic violence, elder abuse, and criminal investigations. She also served as President of the Washington Hostage Negotiators Association. Her investigative work was featured nationally in the FBI Files episode “Deadly Trail,” highlighting the pursuit of serial killer Darren Dee O'Neall.

Known for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to justice, Carlotta earned the respect of colleagues and the community alike. Today, she continues to lead and inspire and lights up any room she walks into. She is passionate about spending time with family, quilting and golfing, she was a former President of the Bellingham Golf and Country Club.