In this edition of "Get to Know Your Officer", the Holbrook Police Department would like to introduce Officer Nicholas Clayton, a dedicated Patrol Officer who is driven by an ardent desire to help others. Officer Clayton attended Northern Arizona University, where he earned two degrees—one in Criminal Justice and the other in Psychology. Officer Clayton knew early on that a desk job wasn’t for him, so this profession has allowed him to be active and engaged every day.
Originally from sunny California, Officer Clayton swapped the coastal life for the Arizona desert when he moved in 2013. Before stepping into law enforcement, he worked as an Intensive Probation Officer, which provided him with valuable experience in the criminal justice system from a unique perspective. When he’s not on duty, you’ll likely find him at the gym—it’s his favorite way to stay fit and unwind. He also knows quite a bit about Scotch, which is a fun fact that surprises people! Family is his biggest motivator, they keep him grounded and knowing that his work contributes to a safer, better world for them makes every day worth it.
For fun, we asked Officer Clayton a few questions – here are some noteworthy, quirky details that will give you a sneak peek into his world.
1. If you could have a conversation with one person (dead or alive), who would it be and what would you say? If I could chat with anyone, it’d be Sigmund Freud. I’d love to ask him where his idea for psychoanalysis came from—was it pure inspiration or a slow-building theory?
2. If you could make one rule for everyone in the world to follow, what would it be? Don’t drive slow in the fast lane.
3. Is there something you pretend to hate but secretly love? Country music. I might act like I don’t care for it, but secretly, I’m a fan.
4. Pet Peeve? People who don’t say "please" and "thank you." It’s basic manners!
5. Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? Hot Cheetos. That crunch and spice are non-negotiable! Officer Clayton finds inspiration in making a positive difference. He is the perfect example of someone who serves with purpose, which makes him a wonderful asset to HPD.
