John Jay College proudly educates public safety leaders. This series highlights the people “behind the badge” to learn about what challenges and inspires them.
“I grew up in a single-parent household on the southside of Jamaica, Queens, where the relationship between the community and police wasn’t great,” recalls Inspector Victoria Perry ’13, ’20, Executive Officer of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Community Affairs Bureau. “In 2003 I got the call that changed my life. It was the NYPD. Getting a chance to join the department and be a bridge builder to communities excited me.”
What does a typical day on the job look like?
A normal day includes figuring out programming, coming up with events, and developing unique and positive ways to connect with people.
“It’s important to meet our communities where they are, speak their language, and connect them with the different resources they need.” —Victoria Perry ’13, ’20
We’re also intentional about respecting a community’s culture—whether that’s ethnic, racial, gender identity, or immigration status. We make sure that our bureau is diverse and that we work with different organizations with ties to that community. Currently, we’re seeing an increase in migrants coming into the city. For me, the first question is: What’s the best way to reach out to them so that they feel safe and know they’re welcomed? It’s important to meet our communities where they are, speak their language, and connect them with the different resources they need so that they can get essentials like food, medical care, and clothing. It comes down to seeing each other’s humanity. Everyone matters and deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect.
How do you use your education in your current job?
Throughout my career I’ve been able to put my John Jay knowledge into practice daily, but I saw it really come to the forefront during the George Floyd protests. At the time, there was a lot of hostility toward the police, a lot of yelling and screaming, but thanks to my John Jay education, I was able to have conversations with protestors. I understood what they were saying, and I also shared how the department has grown and is always working to do better. If both sides go into a situation ready to combat each other, we go nowhere. We have to be willing to come to the table, have those open conversations, and hear each other out.
What was your best day on the job?
We held a back-to-school backpack event, where kids got free backpacks and other services. One of the volunteers was a young lady who gave free haircuts to the kids in the neighborhood. This was a huge gift to the kids and their parents. While she was cutting hair, I asked her about her life and learned she had five kids of her own. I told her to get backpacks for her kids and her face lit up. When someone tells me I’ve made them feel seen, equal, and welcomed, those are the moments that inspire me to keep doing this good work. I love my job, the NYPD, and my life. I'm a breast cancer survivor and know how incredibly supportive this NYPD community is.
“When someone tells me I've made them feel seen, equal, and welcomed, those are the moments that inspire me to keep doing this good work.” —Victoria Perry ’13, ’20
How did the NYPD support you while you fought cancer?
I was diagnosed in June 2021 and around that time I had just been transferred to the Community Affairs Bureau. I thought I’m strong, I can do this. I’ll just get my treatment and go back to work the next day. But the treatment knocked me down. There was no way I could get up and go to work the next day. That’s when this incredible NYPD family stepped in and helped me. Not only do we have unlimited sick leave in the department—so we never have to worry about our bills getting paid—I had this support system that showed up for me every day. There was always someone with me when I got my infusions, they took me to my appointments, they even dropped food off at my door and waved from a distance because they didn’t want to get me sick. This was all on their personal time. When I had my double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, the commanding officer of the medical division showed up at my bedside, making sure I was okay and letting me know the NYPD was there for me. It was amazing.
What advice do you have for John Jay students hoping to work in law enforcement?
First, do it because it’s a very rewarding career. Second, always include your family. Let your family be part of your growth process as you continue to excel in the department. Bring them with you to functions and have them meet your co-workers. That way they’ll understand the work you’re doing and why it’s so important to you. Third, make sure you study and use all the resources and opportunities available to you, including scholarships. Lastly, diversify your experience within the department. The NYPD is an organization that is inclusive. You can be a nurse in the department, you can work in management, you can work in school safety or a critical response team—the sky’s the limit. Never stop learning and I promise, you’ll be successful.
