The only female head of the Investigative Committee in the Vitebsk region works in Horadok

Looking at this friendly, charming woman, it's hard to imagine that she heads the Gorodok District Department of the Investigative Committee. The position held by Irina Lvova (incidentally, she is the only female head in this structure in the region) requires professional training, iron self-control, and a strong will.

Irina Vladimirovna did not end up in investigative work by chance: her father worked in the police, so she knew firsthand what law and order meant. However, for some time after graduating with honors from the local college with a degree in "Jurisprudence", and then from Belarusian State University, she worked as an HR inspector and legal counsel in the district's agricultural enterprises. She admits that she really loved her job, which gave her extensive practical experience. When she received an offer to become an investigator, Irina hesitated. Firstly, she knew it was serious and demanding work. But on the other hand, the romance of it was appealing. In short, she decided to try, and a new countdown began, which imperceptibly divided her life into "before" and "after".

– Undoubtedly, the profession leaves its mark, — admits the woman in uniform. — I didn't think about it until one day at a class reunion, I heard someone say about me: "We didn't know you like this, Irina…" And then I realized that I had indeed changed significantly. I became more serious, stricter, and I started looking at many things differently. How else could it be? I am a state employee, which entails many obligations. I have 15 people under my command, and I am confident in each of them.

There is a common belief that epaulets are an attribute more suited for men, but Irina Lvova disagrees. The department employs two women who are in no way inferior to their male counterparts. They are diligent, attentive, yet remain women. Irina Vladimirovna understands that in some aspects, female employees have a harder time than men: after all, by nature, a woman thinks more about children and family. She herself had a difficult time in the early years of her career – when her young daughter was sick, she had to try to manage everything. Armed with a typewriter and trying not to wake her sleeping baby, she would stay up late. Fortunately, she always had support from her family. Her husband, who worked around the clock, always spent his days off with their daughter. Now she is grown up, has graduated from law school, and plans to pursue a career in law.

As Irina Vladimirovna shared, not everyone can dedicate themselves to investigative work, so random people usually do not stay long. The core of the team consists of those who love and value their work, which teaches them to anticipate situations several steps ahead and control their emotions. And when the first results appear, one wants to continue achieving more. If a person is engaged in their favorite work, time flies by quickly. Our heroine has already served for almost twenty years.

In 2014, by decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus, Irina Lvova was awarded the medal "For Impeccable Service" III degree for exemplary performance of official duties. This year, she was awarded the honorary title "Person of the Year of Vitebsk Region". "It is very pleasant that my work has been recognized. But this is the merit of the entire team. In 2012-2013, we were recognized as the best department within the Vitebsk region structure. We serve conscientiously, with great dedication, and achieve results together. I am happy to have such experienced and responsible people by my side, and I am also grateful to my loved ones who understood my choice", — noted Irina Vladimirovna.

Tatyana Serebryakova, "Vitebskiye Vesti"