"Queens Police Academy hosts NYPD career day, linking youth at risk with potential careers in law enforcement"
NYPD Career Day Offers Diverse Opportunities for At-Risk Youth
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) held a career day at its police academy in Queens on Thursday, providing at-risk youth with a unique opportunity to explore various career pathways beyond traditional law enforcement roles.
The event, which was part of the NYPD's summer internship program, aimed to develop relationships between young people and the police, potentially reducing their chances of getting into trouble. The state-of-the-art cadet training facility at 130-30 28th Avenue in Flushing was transformed into a playground and educational center for the day.
Beyond NYPD jobs such as patrol officers, 911 operators, and Assistant School Safety agents, the participating youth were exposed to other career pathways and programs. These included community policing roles combined with mentorship, sports programs like boxing, and educational support services.
Assistant Commissioner Alden Foster stated that many of the young people had issues at home. He emphasised the importance of the career day in providing them with alternatives and resources for personal development and career readiness.
One of the key opportunities offered was the Assistant School Safety Agent position, open to youth 18 and older. This role focuses on school safety and security within the NYPD structure. Commissioner Foster aimed to highlight the great work that Assistant School Safety agents do every day.
The career day also included demonstrations of FDNY training and team exercises, giving the attendees a taste of what it's like to work in emergency services. Teens participating in the event had the opportunity to see department vehicles like helicopters, offering them a glimpse into the world of public safety.
In addition to the NYPD, various private entities set up booths at the police academy to offer career opportunities to the attendees. The New York City Police Foundation partners with the NYPD's career day through their Options Program, which covers a variety of industries to provide numerous career opportunities for the young people.
Gregg Roberts of the Police Foundation stated that the Options Program has a law enforcement, crime prevention aspect by keeping teens off the street. While interns are working with the NYPD and exploring career opportunities, the Options Program also impacts crime by keeping teens off the street.
The Options Program exemplifies community policing roles coupled with mentorship and youth programs. It offers a pathway for at-risk youth like Nisa Rodriguez, who became an NYPD officer and a pro boxer, to funnel other at-risk youth into structured programs promoting discipline, respect, and academic commitment through sports like boxing.
The career day provided opportunities for young people not interested in law enforcement to find career paths. It also emphasised collaboration with community and youth organizations that support academic success and empowerment through leadership and after-school programs, aiming to provide resources for healthy, secure lives beyond just policing careers.
In conclusion, the NYPD career day and associated programs offer pathways in school safety work, community engagement, sports mentoring, and partnerships with support organizations that help at-risk youth build life and career skills in multiple directions. The event and the summer intern program allow youth to build lasting relationships with cops, offering them the prospect of taking on jobs in the NYPD and beyond.
- During the NYPD Career Day, attendees were introduced to various career pathways beyond traditional law enforcement roles, including community policing roles combined with mentorship, sports programs like boxing, and educational support services.
- The New York City Police Foundation's Options Program, which was showcased at the career day, aims to provide numerous career opportunities for at-risk youth through a law enforcement and crime prevention aspect, keeping these individuals off the streets, while also promoting discipline, respect, and academic commitment through sports like boxing.
