Current Rank: Police Officer, Neighborhood Coordination Office, 101 Precinct
Major: B.A. in International Criminal Justice; NYPD Leadership Graduate Certificate; M.S. in Emergency Management
Mentors: Delmar Dualeh
Programs: SEEK, NYPD Cadet Corps
Hometown: Queens, NY

“John Jay played a pivotal role in my career in law enforcement. A John Jay alumna inspired me to consider being a police officer. The classes I took at the College opened my eyes to how I could uplift communities. The professors I learned from, who shared their law enforcement experiences, deepened my passion for the work. Being at John Jay made me a better, more well-rounded officer.”

Who or what inspired you to embark on a career in law enforcement?
I met John Jay alumna Ana Arboleda ’09 during career day in high school. At the time, she was a police officer and is now a police lieutenant for the NYPD. During the career fair, she spoke to us about all the career opportunities the NYPD offers and how she had been able to help the communities in which she worked. Her stories resonated with me because I wanted to uplift neighborhoods and be a bridge between the NYPD and the people they serve.

One thing Lieutenant Arboleda talked about was the importance of having a diverse department. She explained that you want your law enforcement to look like the community they are serving. As a Latino growing up in Queens, I saw that there weren’t many officers who looked like me in the department. That career fair prompted me to join the NYPD Explorers Program while I was still in high school. In the program, I got a closer look at the police department.

Why John Jay?
Through conversations with Lieutenant Arboleda and other NYPD officers, I began learning about John Jay’s reputation, its history in criminal justice, and the incredible network of law enforcement officers who teach at the college. While at the College, I was also fortunate to join the NYPD Cadet Corps program, which deepened my understanding of police work.

How did the NYPD Cadet Corps help with your career goals?
Joining the cadet program created a natural stepping stone to joining the department. The tools and skills I gained allowed me to hit the ground running once I joined the NYPD. As a cadet, I gained phenomenal insight into the department. I engaged and worked with officers and civilians, took down and wrote reports, and read documents. The cadet program eased the transition into becoming a police officer.

What does a typical day on the job look like?
In my role at the neighborhood coordination office, I serve as the liaison between the community and the precinct. Sometimes, that means dealing with complaints, such as neighborhood disputes. On other days, it means working out issues within the community, such as too much noise or a parking issue. I serve as a mediator, trying to find solutions for all parties involved.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a police officer?
Working with the public is my favorite part. Our office aims to establish relationships with community members and help solve their problems. We hold quarterly meetings with members of the community and hear their concerns. We hand out our business cards with our emails and phone numbers because we want them to contact us if they need anything. Once, when an older gentleman couldn’t access his building’s entrance because a car was blocking the way, we helped by having that car removed. Being on the ground, helping people who work and live in these communities, and improving their lives makes me feel like I have the best job in the world.

How has your John Jay education enhanced your career in law enforcement?
One of the things I love about my John Jay education is the experiences the professors bring into the classroom. Many of my professors are retired police officers, captains, and chiefs—people who have worked or are working in the law enforcement field. They weren’t just teaching from a book; they were teaching from experience.

The NYPD Leadership program, in particular, helped me understand the importance of community policing, expanding my understanding of racial disparities and different cultures and communities. The lessons I learned during the program have helped me become a better communicator and listener and increased my empathy.