Since 2015, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective Investigator and Hostage Negotiator Adrian S. Goodwin has been an Adjunct Professor in John Jay’s Department of Law, Police Science and Criminal Justice Administration. “Every year I contemplate whether this will be my last semester teaching. I’ve been pondering on that thought since 2016, after I gave birth to my twins,” says Goodwin. “But every semester, I always find new affirmations to continue educating because of the incredible encounters I have with students at John Jay. Being able to inspire students, our future law enforcement leaders, motivates me in countless ways.”

While juggling her work, classes, parenting twin girls, and being a wife to a former NYPD officer, Goodwin still finds time to mentor John Jay students hoping to become law enforcement officers. “One student emailed me after the semester was over and asked me to be her mentor. That touched my heart,” she says. “It’s the stories and relationships that I’ve built over the last seven years at the College that motivate me to balance being an active detective, wife, and mother. I’m a servant leader at heart. Just being able to be a resource to others makes me happy.”

Who or what inspired you to embark on a career in law enforcement?
I truly believe that law enforcement chose me. When I reconnected with a former classmate from the seventh grade, they remembered that I always talked about being a police officer. Now that I think about it, one of my favorite shows at that time was, and still is, Law in Order: Special Victims Unit. Back then, I was probably in class talking about how Mariska Hargitay solved a particular case. Look at me now, I’m a female detective with the greatest police department in the world.

What does a typical day look like for you on the job?
A typical day for me includes a morning prayer and properly preparing for my tour. Also, I make time to review current events. In today’s climate of policing and unfortunate strained community relationships, I believe that it’s my responsibility to go into work aware. As a negotiator, having a positive mindset daily is paramount to being effective should I receive a call to jump into action.

What is or was the most challenging aspect of your job? How did you overcome this?
My husband and I were both detectives in the NYPD until he retired in 2018. We both worked in demanding units. Christopher worked in Brooklyn North Narcotics and I worked at the Detective Squad in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where I investigated major crimes, such as assaults, robberies, grand larcenies, and shootings. We decided to start a family and that was met with some challenges. I discovered that I had fibroids, which ultimately led to undergoing a myomectomy surgical procedure in order to avoid complications should I become pregnant.

Time passed and I was having difficulties getting pregnant. This brought about more and more doctor visits and surgeries. Later, we explored IVF (in-vitro fertilization) treatments. I remember while being honored at a ceremony by my job, I had to hurry to the bathroom to prepare my scheduled injection. It was weird and awkward to have other people stare at me, but it was something I had to do. There is always a silver lining in our journeys in life, you just have to trust the process. We gave birth to healthy, vibrant, amazing twin girls. My journey to motherhood while working in law enforcement wasn’t easy as my husband and I navigated work schedules and family time, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

What was the most rewarding aspect of your job?
In 2019, at the start of my tour, I was notified about an emotionally disturbed man who was barricaded inside his apartment with a firearm threatening to take his own life. As a hostage negotiator, I knew I was dealing with a delicate situation. Witnesses on the scene revealed that the barricaded individual had previously threatened his ex-wife with a gun. After six hours of deploying crisis communications tactics and establishing a rapport with the man, I was able to convince him to leave his apartment and surrender to the police without incident. He was subsequently escorted to the hospital for an evaluation.

Later, I was honored with the HOPE Award by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and the NYPD. I remember being so emotional when I received the phone call that I was being honored for saving someone’s life. I take my role as a hostage negotiator seriously because we are encountering people at the most vulnerable stages in their lives. We are there to lower emotion, demonstrate empathy, and build a rapport through active listening skills all in order to influence behavior and get them the help they need. The moment I saved the gentleman’s life was a reminder of why I took this job; it’s to help others.

What advice would you give to future law enforcement officers?
I know law enforcement has its challenges, especially in today’s times, but you have to follow your heart. Prior to entering a career in law enforcement, I was a second-grade teacher. My family was really surprised at my new career decision, and I had to alleviate their concerns as I embarked on a new career path. Their fears subsided, and my mom knew I made the right decision. As a first-generation law enforcement officer in my family, I had to navigate this new world alone at times. No matter what, you have to remain diligent and connect with people who inspire you. Policing is no walk in the park. It can be very stressful at times, because no two days are the same. I encourage future and all officers to create a balance in their lives and practice self-care.

What do you want the public to know about your job?
Police officers are humans too. We are moms, dads, daughters, sons, and even your neighbors. It can be the most difficult job at times, but the greatest reward is being sworn to protect and serve our community.