Kylie Napierkowski '14: A Detective’s Journey from the Classroom to the Crime Scene

For many of us, career aspirations shift as we grow, but for Kylie Napierkowski '14, the dream of becoming a detective was set early. Now working as a Crime Scene Detective, she is a testament to determination, adaptability and the foundational support she found at Kent Denver School.

“I’ve wanted to be in law enforcement since I was really young,” Kylie told Perspective. “Maybe it was because my mom watched Law & Order, but I grew up fascinated by the field. I realized I could go to college to study it, and that was it—I was super motivated to make it happen.”

After researching programs, she pursued a degree in criminal justice with complementary minors in psychology, human development and family relations—along with plenty of sociology courses to round out her studies.

Her current work is multifaceted, combining elements of traditional police work with a focus on crime scene investigation. 

“I’m a certified law enforcement officer, but I specialize in CSI—crime scene investigation. It means I’m the one called in for larger cases like homicides, shootings, or burglaries. Think crime scene photography, fingerprinting, blood analysis, and shooting reconstructions—a real-life ‘Scooby-Doo,’” she jokes.

Her unit operates on an on-call rotation, ready to respond to major scenes at any time. “It’s intense but fulfilling,” she adds.

“For people experiencing their worst day, I get to be a source of comfort, knowledge and solutions. That’s what drives me,” she explains. “I enjoy hearing people’s stories and finding ways to help them find solutions or answers. Whether it’s bringing justice to victims or solving complex cases, it’s all about making a difference.”

Before CSI, she worked in DUI enforcement, where she honed her skills in drug and alcohol impairment investigations. 

“I’m proud of the cases I’ve seen through to prosecution, especially those involving severely injured victims,” she said. “It’s heavy work, but there’s a lot of pride in bringing justice.”

“Law enforcement is a constant learning curve,” said Kylie, who mentions that one of the greatest challenges in her field is staying on the cutting edge. “Laws are always changing, and we need to stay updated with new training, methods and technologies. It’s energizing but also a challenge to keep up. We regularly meet with district attorneys to ensure we’re on the same page and following best practices.”

Reflecting on her time at Kent Denver, Kylie recalls how she started in 9th grade on financial aid—which made it a big jump for her. 

“The education was challenging and rewarding,” she recalls. “It taught me how to tap into resources, collaborate with others and approach everything with an investigative mindset.”
She credits several mentors for supporting her along the way, including Assistant Director of Athletics Stephanie Kyser, who remains a friend and mentor. “I got to play in some rec leagues with her! Coach (Richard) Judd and Coach (Scott) Yates also provided incredible support and made Kent feel like a second home.”

That feeling of belonging gave Kylie a confidence that she still carries with her to this day.
“Having a top-tier educational background is a privilege and a foundation I’ve leaned on throughout my career,” she said. “Whether navigating career changes or learning new skills, it’s always been there to bolster me.”

When asked about her favorite Kent Denver memory, Kylie said many moments stand out, but her fondest memories revolve around team camaraderie. 
“Dressing up for game day always made me smile,”she recalls. “For volleyball, we’d wear pink on Wednesdays—a tradition spearheaded by Whitney Navarro '14. It was fun and built such a cohesive team spirit.”

From a Kent Denver student to a Crime Scene Detective—Kylie’s journey reflects her commitment to learning, growth and service. Whether she’s solving crimes or mentoring others, she embodies the values instilled in her by her alma mater.