New Grads See Future in Law Enforcement

By REUVEN BLAU

Graduates from the first class of the High School for Law-Enforcement and Public Safety roared as pictures of their faces flashed on a large screen behind the stage towards the end of their June 26 ceremony at 1 Police Plaza.

RAYMOND KELLY: Welcomes New Grads.

The Jamaica, Queens school offered the 118 graduates electives in criminology, forensics and emergency medical services. The graduates also participated in courses involving a mock courtroom, which included microphones and a camera to tape the arranged hearings.

Kelly: 'You're Pioneers'

"Today marks a very historic occasion," Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly told the graduates. "You are pioneers. You are the first to graduate from this innovative institution. You are the future of law-enforcement and public safety."

Following the ceremony, most of the graduates, however, said that they did not plan to join the NYPD after finishing college.

"I wanted to be a lawyer since I was young; I was the type," said Shaneka Anderson, who was clutching her stand-in diploma. Guest speakers and criminal justice experts who visited the school inspired her to pursue that path, she added.

For Mamdou Tamboura, joining the NYPD was never really an option. "I wanted to do something exciting, something that could challenge me," he remarked as he weaved through the crowd to meet up with his friends at the reception.

Mr. Tamboura plans to take aviation-related courses at Nassau Community College next year with an eye towards joining the Navy. The NYPD's reduced starting salary, he noted, didn't factor into his decision. "Aviation is something I wanted to do," he added.

Several other students said they planned to pursue careers in criminal law and in other law-enforcement fields.

Keenan Elie said the NYPD's low pay played a role in his choice to study criminal law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. "Oh, most definitely," he remarked, referring to the starting pay of $25,100. "It's always a factor."

'Most Rewarding Job'

Diahann E. Malcolm, the school's Principal, said that she and her staff worked to encourage the graduates to attend college to study, pointing out to them that there are many areas they may find fulfilling and financially rewarding. The school, she noted, has a 75-percent graduation rate, which is significantly higher than the citywide average.

The school pointed out to students interested in joining the NYPD that there are multiple promotional opportunities available within the department.

During the ceremony, Mr. Kelly noted that many of the graduates have plans for careers outside the NYPD. "Many of you will go on to college and become Police Officers, Firefighters, Federal agents, and lawyers," he said. "Not surprisingly, I hope some of you will pursue a career with New York's Finest. I can promise you, few jobs will be more rewarding, and we'd be proud to count you among our ranks."

He pointed out that the graduates received some of the same instruction as recruits in the Police Academy.

The 600 students at the predominantly African-American school all have to wear uniforms and stand at attention during muster drills. "But your commitment, and the hours spent in the classroom and gym, have given you an important head start," he remarked. "That head start has prepared you well for a career in public service."

A group of 20 of the graduates joined the NYPD Explorers' Program, which is designed to educate teenage students about law-enforcement.

"Because of the unique educational experience that you enjoyed, you are now among the best-informed members of the public when it comes to understanding the responsibilities of law-enforcement and public-safety effectiveness," Mr. Kelly said.