23. From Traffic Agent to Sergeant

As the test deadline of November 3 approaches, Lt. Tiffany Reid from NYPD's Recruitment Section explains the testing and onboarding process at NYPD. For more information, go to https://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/careers/police-officers/po-exam.page

Detective Rosemarie Muckenthaler has seen first-hand how the human trafficking industry preys upon young victims—children who are forced into a life of crime. She has spent the majority of her 23-year career as both an undercover and investigator on different vice squads within the NYPD. Today she serves on the NYPD-FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

Police Officer Aaron Ayala works in the LGBTQ Outreach Unit within the NYPD’s Community Affairs Bureau. As a community liaison, he collaborates with advocacy organizations and assists survivors of bias incidents.

As a photographer and videographer for the Rapid Response Unit within NYPD's Community Affairs Bureau, Police Officer Joseph Ryder documents interactions between officers and community members in need of assistance. His behind-the-scenes role gives him a unique lens on the relationship between police officers and the residents of New York City.

Meet Special Agent Brian Gander, who works alongside NYPD detectives on New York City's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force teams up federal and local officers, who work together to build cases against sex traffickers and help sex trafficking victims.

Police Officer Lee Stanton works as a Youth Coordination Officer in Public Service Area 7, which covers New York City Housing Authority buildings in the South Bronx. During the pandemic, P.O. Stanton has devised new ways to provide programming to youth in his area.

Sgt. Simmons began her career in 2007 as a New York City traffic enforcement agent. Five years later, she became a police officer. Since then, she has risen through the ranks, first, joining the Detective Bureau and working on a Narcotics squad, and more recently, getting promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Have you ever wondered about the process of becoming a New York City Police Officer? Two representatives from NYPD's Recruitment Section explain the application process, which begins with the written exam. Also, our youth host discusses obstacles that the NYPD faces when recruiting young people today. The application period for this year's Police Officer Exam is from April 7 through April 27. The test will be administered in June 2021. For more information, go to NYPDrecruit.com.

As the commanding officer of the NYPD's Photo Unit, Lt. Elaine Santiago manages a staff of photographers who cover everything from mug shots to promotion ceremonies. In her off-hours, she remains engaged with her community by coaching youth baseball, organizing senior dominoes tournaments, and DJing at community events.

Police Officer Javarro Long grew up in the South Bronx with deep ties to the music scene there. Besides becoming an MC, he had another ambition since childhood — becoming a cop. Today, he mentors young people in Harlem at the Youth Strategies Division, which is part of the NYPD's Community Affairs Bureau.