Degree: B.S. in Criminal Justice
Current role: NYPD Police Officer, 1st Precinct
Mentor: Adjunct Professor and NYPD Community Affairs Assistant Commissioner Alden Foster ’12
Program: NYPD Cadet Corps
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

What was life like before John Jay?
I was born in Yemen and lived there until I was four years old. When we moved here my first year in elementary school was challenging because I didn’t know English. Thankfully, I picked up on it quickly and had the support of my older sisters, who knew some English. I come from a big, supportive family. I saw my parents work hard to provide us with a better life. They instilled in me a determination to succeed and a desire to become the first in our family to graduate college.

Who inspired you to embark on a career in law enforcement?
Professor Alden Foster, assistant commissioner in the NYPD’s Community Affairs unit, encouraged me to explore a career in the NYPD. I was taking one of his criminal justice courses, and after making a presentation on the NYPD and their work in communities, he pulled me aside and asked me what I wanted to do after John Jay. I told him I hoped to become a defense attorney, and he shared how being in the NYPD would provide me with a strong foundation for serving and working with the public. He also shared how the department supports its officers’ career pursuits, paying for expansive post-graduate opportunities, awarding scholarships, and helping to build networks. In my case, he introduced me to members of the NYPD who were also lawyers to show me what was possible. Because of him, I signed up for the NYPD Cadet Corps program.

What was the Cadet Corps experience like?
It was an enriching experience. I did part of the program at the 1st Precinct and the other in community affairs under Assistant Commissioner Foster. He took me under his wing so I could understand the different and essential roles the NYPD plays across the city. The department has so many units, and unique ones too, like the K-9 unit and bee unit. I saw how the NYPD keeps us safe in the air, on the streets, and even on the city’s waterways. As a cadet, I learned so much about the department and how to serve the public better. I became more disciplined, learned to manage time better, and strengthened my leadership skills. Being a cadet made the transition to police officer smoother.

What does a typical day on the job look like for you?
I work the evening shift, so 3 p.m. to midnight. As an officer who works on patrol, I do roll call, get my assignment, get in my car, and begin my patrol. Once I’m out, we start responding to calls. These calls could be alarm systems going off, larceny (shoplifting), a crime in progress, or even accidents. We will go to the scene, perform a canvas, and verify if the area or scene is safe. It’s about keeping people in the community safe, from the average person to the storekeeper.

Describe your best day on the job.
The day we found a missing woman was one of my best days. I was only on the job for three months, and a man came in to report that his girlfriend was missing. She hadn’t responded to any calls or texts from anyone. It seemed her phone was off because the location app couldn’t find her phone, and she had been missing for over 24 hours. I suggested we check local hospitals, and we found her in one of the emergency rooms. It seemed she had become disoriented and checked herself into the hospital but didn’t call any of her loved ones. Luckily, we were there to ensure she was safe, and after a few questions, we were able to reunite her with her boyfriend. There was a real sense of relief and joy on both their parts. It felt good to make a difference.

How has your John Jay education enhanced your work with the NYPD?
One of the biggest things John Jay taught me was the importance of supporting your community. As a younger member of the NYPD—I’m only 23 and have no kids or mortgage—I do my best to help people in the department. I offer to take extra shifts or work holidays so officers with families can spend more quality time at home with their loved ones. Being a police officer for me means helping others in any way I can, from the precinct to the streets I patrol.