In 2011, Melbourne Beach Detective Melanie Griswold landed a case that disturbed her as much as it made her determined to put away James Wright-Roberts, who sexually abused children.
“It was my first sex crimes case, and I certainly did not want to screw it up,” Griswold said.
The challenge of insuring criminals like Wright-Roberts did significant time in prison is one reason Griswold became a cop after years working in physical therapy.
“I needed to find a career that was exciting, challenging and that I would enjoy doing,” she said.
Following a stint with the Palm Bay police, Griswold joined the Melbourne Beach force in 2002. Not only is she the only woman on the ten officer department, she is also the longest running employee in the town, serving under six different chiefs. In 2008, Griswold became a Corporal and a Detective, then rose to the rank of Detective Sergeant in May, 2016.
“I love being a detective,” said the 49 year-old. “I never give up. I may take a few steps back in some cases to regroup, but I will never give in. I am very persistent about each case.”
But Griswold gives credit where it is due: to the officers who often gather the initial information. Griswold gets the call after these officers reach an impasse.
“She tracks the perpetrator down and makes an arrest,” said Police Chief Dan Duncan. “Sgt. Griswold is an excellent officer and detective, well-versed. She’s been here so long she knows all the residents, even the bad guys.”
Most investigations focus on burglary and theft. The crime rate in this aspect has been consistent in Melbourne Beach over the last seven years, with increases during periods like spring break, summer break and the Christmas holidays.
Griswold usually comes in for work at 4:45 in the morning. “It is a small department that requires me to wear many hats. I am working current cases, answering calls for service, doing administrative duties and investigations.”
The crimes committed by Wright-Roberts started in 2007, and he was arrested in late 2010; they went on every weekend for some three years. “His statements were not surprising to me as much as they were disgusting. What was difficult in this case was being able to count, charge and justify every day he spent with the victims because I wanted him charged for everything he did to them.”
In the end, he received a 25-year sentence. Now 70, Wright-Roberts is unlikely to see freedom. “I hope the last place he calls home is Florida Department of Correction,” Griswold said.
Being the only female officer has been trying on rare occasions. “But I learned that no matter where you work you need to have a thick skin especially in this line of work,” she said. “I give it right back. You don’t mess with me.”
Griswold says the police force is like a second family. “There’s not one person I would hesitate to call with a problem. I just wanted to be one of the good guys or gals.”
In her down time, Griswold studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in business management from Columbia Southern University. She has six classes left to complete. The mother of two adult children hopes the degree will help lead to a job as Melbourne Beach police chief when Duncan retires.
“She deserves a shot at it. She has the knowledge and experience. She knows the town inside and out and is well qualified,” Duncan said.
She also has a sense of humor, which she needs with her distinctive last name.
“I have heard it all,” she says. “People tell me they love the movie, like I was part of the film or it was named after me. I get a good chuckle out of it. Sometimes it is a good icebreaker in a conversation. I embrace the name; it is unique.”
And truth be told, “National Lampoon’s Vacation” ranks as one of her favorite movies. Her family too.
The man who gave her the name, husband Stephen Griswold, works as a lineman. Her daughter is a cosmetologist and her son serves on the Melbourne police department.
“I’m more concerned for him then he is for me,” she said of the danger factor that comes with being a police officer. “After all these years, my husband is no longer worried.”
