Since its inception, John Jay College has been an institution proud to educate public safety leaders in law enforcement, fire suppression, and emergency medical services. Every day, these brave members of our community work hard to keep us safe. We’re continually grateful for their service, and in recognition of their considerable contributions to our safety, we’re dedicating our “Behind the Badge” series to them. In these articles we get to see the man or woman “behind the badge.” We get to know what inspires them, understand what challenges them, and most importantly learn about their jobs through their own thoughts and experiences.
Adjunct Assistant Professor and author Alfred S. Titus, Jr., Ph.D., knows the valuable role law enforcement can play in saving people’s lives. Before retiring from the New York Police Department (NYPD), he worked as an NYPD Homicide Detective and Hostage Negotiator and was often among the first at the scene following a tragedy or trying to prevent one from happening. “What led me to become a police officer was this innate desire to help others. I wanted to assist those most in need, especially during their most difficult times,” says Titus, thinking back to one of the most memorable moments in his police career. “There was a distraught male on the Manhattan Bridge threatening to end his life by jumping off the bridge. As a hostage negotiator, I was able to step in and speak with him, find the root of his problem, and convince him not to jump. It was the most rewarding feeling knowing I helped save this man’s life.” We connected with Titus to learn more about his career with the NYPD and what lessons he shares with his students at John Jay.
“What led me to become a police officer was this innate desire to help others. I wanted to assist those most in need, especially during their most difficult times.” —Alfred S. Titus, Jr.
What did a typical day as an NYPD Homicide Detective and Hostage Negotiator look like for you?
As a homicide detective, the work was often hectic. I was usually running out to the location of a homicide or taking hostage negotiation calls. Part of my job involved conducting extensive investigations, so I had to work with other police departments and agencies in the process of those investigations. As a detective, I would also have to testify in court proceedings.
What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your job as an NYPD Homicide Detective and Hostage Negotiator?
Being able to have an impact and make a positive difference in people’s lives was the most rewarding aspect of my role in the NYPD. When you work in Homicide, and a murder takes place, you deal directly with the family left behind by the tragedy, and they look to you for answers. Working to bring the family answers and providing closure was important to me, and ensuring that justice was served was always very rewarding.
I would say that the most challenging part of the job was dealing with the animosity being displayed toward law enforcement by the public. Our role in the NYPD, first and foremost, is to protect the public, and I hope people understand that and respect what the NYPD does to ensure public safety. The work we do in law enforcement is for the greater good. It’s important to know that law enforcement officers care. They put their lives on the line every day despite the public sentiment. When a tragedy or catastrophe occurs, law enforcement runs toward the danger in order to save lives, and they do so without thinking about their own lives in the process.
“When a tragedy and catastrophe occur, law enforcement runs toward the danger in order to save lives, and they do so without thinking about their own lives in the process.” —Alfred S. Titus, Jr.
Describe your best day on the job. What happened that day to make you proud?
It was a hostage negotiation job that took place on the Manhattan Bridge in lower Manhattan. A male had climbed over the fencing and barriers onto the exterior of the bridge. He was threatening to kill himself by jumping off the bridge. The Emergency Services Unit (ESU) arrived first on the scene and talked to him for a while with little results. That’s when I stepped in. I took off my NYPD Hostage Negotiation jacket and bulletproof vest, removed my tie, and rolled up my sleeves. ESU secured me with a harness in case the male decided to jump and hold on to me as he went down. I climbed over the bridge’s railing and fencing. I had to go to the outside of the bridge, so that I could be at his level.
As I spoke to the man on the ledge, I was only supported by my feet and the ropes. I spoke with him for about 25 minutes. It turns out it was a relationship issue. As someone who at that time had just gone through a divorce, I could relate to him. I let him know that I understood what he was going through and convinced him to change his mind, get back onto the topside of the bridge, and come have a beer with me to talk about things. Thankfully, he agreed and came in. It was a thrilling and satisfying feeling to know that I had directly saved a life.
“It was a thrilling and satisfying feeling to know that I had directly saved a life.” —Alfred S. Titus, Jr.
What advice would you give to future law enforcement officers?
Do not let anyone or anything deter you from becoming a police officer or following your law enforcement dreams. Working in law enforcement is one of the most thrilling and satisfying jobs there is. Every day on the job is different. It’s unlike any other career—it’s challenging, rewarding, and an adventure.
As a professor at John Jay, what lessons, experiences, and guidance do you hope to impart to your students?
So many students express concern over the current climate and negative sentiment against police. Many of them consider abandoning their dreams of entering law enforcement. But I like to remind them that the person they are on the inside is what led them to wanting to be a police officer. It’s their desire to help others that drives them to their dream of joining law enforcement, and with their actions they can change the public’s opinion.
“I remind my students that as new, educated law enforcement officers, they can be part of the police reform happening across this country. They can help shape what policing looks like in the future.” —Alfred S. Titus, Jr.
I remind my students that as new, educated law enforcement officers, they can be part of the police reform happening across this country. They can help shape what policing looks like in the future by bringing their own unique experiences to the table, sharing what they’ve learned in the classroom throughout their John Jay experience, and instituting their own ideas in precincts. They’re the future of law enforcement and it’s in their power to improve policing.
