Lecture Notes: Life Story of a New York Police Officer

Background

• Grew up in Regal Park, Queens, in a traditional family environment
• Family had strong Italian and Irish roots
• Lived in a building built by grandfather, an immigrant from Italy
• Grandfather was a successful construction worker
• Family dynamics included living with extended family

Early Life

• Born in 1960, was the last surviving child
• Experienced a close-knit family life
• Memories of older brothers who were adventurous and often got into trouble
• Describes a nurturing yet watchful family environment
• Notable changes in the family structure in late 1960s as relatives moved out

Education and Early Employment

• Attended Xavier High School in NYC
• Described as a bookworm and not athletic
• Started working at a young age, delivering food and newspapers
• Began experimenting with alcohol during high school
• Attended St. John's University but dropped out to work as a bartender

Career in Law Enforcement

• Always wanted to become a police officer due to family influence
• Entered the police academy at age 20
• First assignment at Central Park Prison, quickly realized it was busy
• Took mentorship from experienced officers and learned the ropes

Transition to Plainclothes and Narcotics Division

• Promoted to plainclothes team where he learned to conduct surveillance
• Transferred to narcotics division during the crack epidemic
• Observed significant social degradation linked to drug use
• Witnessed a rise in violence and crime in NYC from mid-1980s to 1990s

Homicide Detective Experience

• Transferred to the 77th Precinct in Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights area
• Described high levels of violence and crime in the area
• First homicide investigation experience was shocking and enlightening
• Discusses the low clearance rates for homicides and the challenges faced

9/11 Experience

• Worked during and after the September 11 attacks
• Described the chaos and emotional toll of the event
• Participated in recovery and investigative efforts in the aftermath
• Spoke about the impact of the event on himself and fellow officers

Personal Struggles and Recovery

• Struggled with alcohol addiction, sought help and has been sober for over 37 years
• Experienced deep personal losses including the death of a brother and emotional fallout
• Discussed the long-lasting effects of trauma from his career and 9/11

Final Career Years and Retirement

• Stayed in the police force for almost 40 years
• Transitioned to a leadership role in the detective squad
• Faced modern challenges in policing, including rising crime rates and societal changes
• Retired in 2020, expressed mixed feelings about leaving the force

Reflections on Policing and Society

• Discussed the current state of policing in NYC and societal attitudes towards police
• Mentioned the impact of political changes on law enforcement practices
• Expressed a sense of loss for the city he grew up in and loved
• Emphasized the importance of community and good governance

Conclusion

• Shared a heartfelt connection to NYC and the complexities of his career
• Encouraged understanding of the challenges faced by police officers
• Highlighted the need for community support and responsible governance
• Thanked the audience for listening and reflected on his life journey.