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My Journey into NYPD
Back in Michigan, I enjoyed studying criminal justice. I moved to NYC when I was 20 years old. After working in Corporate America for a few years, I was encouraged to take the police entry exam by a close friend. Since my college major was criminal justice, I was convinced. The job, salary, stability, benefits, and a pension was all very attractive. I was interested in bringing my degree in use, especially during NYC’s crack cocaine epidemic years.
A thorough investigation process
My background investigation took time because I grew up in several states. My investigator was a rigid but kind man. He made it clear to me that too much work was required to carry out a proper investigation, as it was required to complete paperwork in all localities, including each city I lived in, every school I attended, local police departments, and interview family and neighbors. It is a mandatory process before joining any police department. Filling out numerous forms and making several trips to Queens to answer what seemed like endless questions were required. Then, the last steps of the process were written and oral psychological examinations.
Entering the Police Academy
On 30 August 1993 (two years after I took the police exam), I traveled to Brooklyn College on the #2 Train from Harlem at 6 am. Hundreds of other police recruits were accompanying me towards paperwork finalization before entering the police academy. Unfortunately, I was one of a few recruits that did not have their police academy company assignment.
A black female high-ranking officer called me to the front. I guess I was walking too slow for her. Over the microphone, she had some stern words for me because of my pace. I was embarrassed but figured I had better hasten my steps to the front of the auditorium to pick up my assignment. Meanwhile, I assured myself, “This is a temporary experience. I know I cannot continue working in an environment where people could use any tone with me, and I could not raise an issue about it” (no such luck in a paramilitary environment). I served for only four years as an NYC police officer.
The reasons why I joined NYPD
I was often asked why I would join NYPD if I were not from New York. I often told folks I joined the police department because:
- As a young woman of color, I wanted to make a positive difference in the Harlem community
- Influence people to make better choices
- Save lives
- Use my criminal justice education to be a compassionate officer
- Opportunity to deescalate situations and avoid making arrests
- Pension, benefits, job security
- Remain active and fit.
Gun and Shield Day Assignment
On Gun and Shield Day, our assignments were handed out. Assigned to the 42nd precinct in the South Bronx, I was. The same precinct in the Fort Apache Movie from the 70s. I tried to talk my way out of it and requested to be reassigned to a precinct in Manhattan. But no such luck!
Three days later, I reported to duty. On my first day in the 4-2, two seasoned detectives requested that I work with them to provide clerical assistance. I worked with the detectives. Needless to say, that assignment was short-lived. There were questions and complaints about why I was assigned to work inside. I was out on the street in a three-man patrol a few days after my short-lived administrative assignment.
To read more about my police experience – my first collar (arrest), lessons learned during rides in the back seat of a three-man patrol police car, fears, and connecting with the community by being respectful and empathetic. Continue to follow ExPATise.blog. I post a new blog every week.
