John Jay College proudly educates public safety leaders. This series highlights the people “behind the badge” to learn about what challenges and inspires them.

“Growing up, I’d always wanted to be a cop. Once my contract with the Army was up, it was a no-brainer, I was joining the NYPD,” says Officer Jose Torres ’23. “I think being in the military—learning to work with different people on a common goal—really helped shape me and gave me the perfect foundation for a career in law enforcement,” continued the criminal justice major with Dominican roots. “Now, I work in the NYPD Candidate Assessment Division and I love my job. I’m usually one of the first officers that a new candidate meets before they become recruits in the police academy. It’s an honor to help guide new recruits, answer their questions, and show them what a career in the NYPD can do for them and the community.”

Can you describe your best day on the job?
In 2019, when I was working as a Field Training Officer, a call came in from a distraught mother whose one-year-old daughter had stopped breathing. At the time I was working with a brand-new officer straight out of the academy. The two of us raced over and found the child lifeless in her mother’s arms. We had to move quickly and be focused if we were going to save her life. I laid the little girl on the floor and started performing CPR. My training just kicked in as the adrenaline was pumping through my body. All I could think about was getting her breathing again. When she took that first breath and opened her eyes, I felt an immense sense of relief. Seeing that child safely back in her mother’s arms was the best feeling in the world.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing new candidates take up the oath of service. As someone who’s there when they decide to become a cop, and helps keep them on track throughout the process, it’s really gratifying to watch them become part of the NYPD. I also get a lot of joy watching my fellow officers retire after fulfilling decades on the job. They worked hard, made a difference in our communities, and it’s rewarding to see them honored at that milestone.

How did your John Jay education enhance your career?
My criminal justice classes opened my eyes to the criminal legal process and educated me on the vocabulary used by attorneys and legal professionals. Before my professors started breaking down those terms and explaining the different legal steps, I found those interactions intimidating. Now, I’m much more confident speaking to attorneys I meet on the job.

What advice do you have for future law enforcement officers?
About 75 percent of the job is communication—especially as a patrol officer. If you can communicate with someone, then the rest comes easily. It really helps when you understand the communities, cultures, and backgrounds of the people you’re trying to serve. On this job you have to want to help people. This isn’t a job for someone who wants to work 9 to 5 and collect a check. When you join the force, you have to look deep down inside and figure out how you can step up and make a difference.