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.
We interviewed retired NYPD Lieutenant Filipp Khosh ’19, whose civil service career spans across the U.S. Army, the Coast Guard Reserves, and the New York Police Department (NYPD) to learn more about his dedication to the safety of our City, his commitment to the education of our students, and his forward-thinking perspective on law enforcement.
What inspired you to embark on a career in civil service?
I was 17 years old and didn’t speak a word of English when I immigrated from the Ukraine to the U.S. in the early ’90s. At the time, there was an organization in New York City called City Volunteer Corps. They offered young adults the opportunity to work for the City on a volunteer basis. I was blessed that they found me, it was my introduction to an English-speaking environment and the world of civil service. From there, I joined the military. In 1995, I made the smartest decision I ever made in my life and joined the U.S Army. After serving three years in the Army, I joined the National Guard, serving for eight years. I’m now in the Coast Guard Reserves.
How did you come to serve as a New York City police officer?
After I left the National Guard the first time, I couldn’t find any way to apply myself to civilian life. I knew the area of public service and I was comfortable there. The NYPD was a natural choice for me, and I never had a single regret about joining the force. I’m extremely lucky that throughout my years serving in the NYPD, I worked among good people.
“The look of happiness and appreciation on his face, to this day, changed me.” —Filipp Khosh
Think back to when you were an officer, can you describe your best day on the job? What happened that day to make you proud, happy, or encouraged?
There are two days that have stayed with me. The first one was in 2008. I was doing my regular drive-by patrol, and I witnessed this person with a mental health condition running after a bus. He was crying. The bus driver was being difficult. Every time the guy caught up to the bus and reached for the door, the driver took off. It caught my eye. At first, I didn’t understand what was happening, but when it happened for the third time, I knew very well what was happening. I pulled my car in front of the bus, got out, and ordered the driver to open the door. I didn’t yell at the driver; I just looked at him. By then, the guy ran up to the bus. The look of happiness and appreciation on his face, to this day, changed me.
The second is the day I realized that I have the ability to talk to people, regardless of how intoxicated they are, and keep them within legal parameters. When I was a Sergeant at the 75th Precinct, there was a block party. Typical block parties end in fights, stabbings, or shootings unless you know how to talk to people. I found an elderly person within the community who was respected enough to get the community to comply with him. We talked for about an hour and during the time I was there, there was not a single incident on that block, and I was there by myself. The party eventually ended. I think the reason it was peaceful is that they saw a senior community leader talking to a police officer. They knew they were fine. A few of us were even exchanging jokes.
“My main message to future law enforcement officers is to understand your role. Understand that you are the protector and a servant of the community.” —Filipp Khosh
How has your John Jay education enhanced your career?
The minute I saw that John Jay College had an emergency management master’s degree program, that was it for me. I didn’t think twice about signing up. The keyword in the program is “management” and that’s something I wanted to learn more about. Law enforcement is a function. You are not really managing, even if you are in a managerial rank. You are responding to an event that already happened or you are responding to an event that is going to happen. My studies in emergency management at John Jay were broad and educated me on the different routes of preparedness, responses, and mitigation. I’m currently an Adjunct Lecturer teaching homeland security courses here at the College.
What advice would you give to future law enforcement officers?
My main message, and not just as an adjunct lecturer, but as a retired NYPD lieutenant, is very simple. I always ask new police officers at the first meeting, what is your title? People think that their title is police officer, and it’s not. Their job is being a police officer. Their rank is a police officer. Their function is a police officer. Their title is a civil servant. When you go to a restaurant, and your server brings you food, you expect nothing but the best service. If your server in the restaurant doesn’t treat you well, you’re not going to leave a tip. You are expecting your server to be courteous and polite, and to do what you need them to do. As a public servant or a civil servant, you’re kind of in the same role. You are expected to provide a service to the public. You are expected to serve. It is a simple concept, and it is in your title. That’s why my main message to future law enforcement officers is to understand your role. Understand that you are the protector and a servant of the community.
Filipp Khosh ’19, Retired NYPD Lieutenant and John Jay Adjunct Lecturer, gives future law enforcement officers sound advice.
