La’shaun Greene ’19 ’23, who is earning an MA in criminal justice, has always been driven to help others. At every turn in her education and career journey, she’s sought out ways to serve the public. After immigrating from Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Greene became the first person in her family to earn a high school degree. Then, she enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. “When I returned from basic training, I knew that I wanted to work in law enforcement,” says Greene. “After I earned my bachelor’s degree in human service, I was hired by the New York City Department of Corrections (NYC DOC).” While working at the DOC, Greene realized that she wanted to make an even greater impact in her community by becoming a New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer. “Knowing that I needed a deeper background in crime control and prevention, I went back to school and obtained my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College in 2019.” That same year, Greene took the police officer exam and officially began her career as an NYPD officer in 2021.
What does a typical day look like for you on the job?
As a newly assigned officer at the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, New York, every day is different and exciting. This is a completely new world to me; I get to see my community from a different angle. While I’m learning new things and putting into action all of the knowledge I’ve gained through the academy, I am also utilizing all of my previous life experiences from the military and the Department of Corrections in this new role. I have been working closely with senior officers who have been showing me the way as we respond to different jobs. They have given me the space to take the lead and test the waters, but are still there if I have any questions. I have a true passion for criminal justice and law enforcement, so I have been learning as much as I can.
What are you most proud of as an NYPD officer?
The one thing that makes me proud is the love and appreciation I get from the community. Every day I get the opportunity to solve problems, no matter how big or small, with the gratification of knowing I’m helping someone. It’s good to know that the community appreciates our presence and that we can make a positive impact on the community. When I am on patrol, numerous people come up to me and thank me for my service and my sacrifices. That makes me really proud to wear blue because I enjoy being the voice for people in need. Being able to help is what motivates me to come to work every day.
“I enjoy being the voice for people in need.” —La’shaun Greene
What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect of this job is remembering to always stay vigilant. I’m learning to trust myself in making decisions to ensure the safety of my fellow partners, the surrounding public, and the city of New York as a whole. I’ve learned that it’s important to demonstrate empathy rather than sympathy. If a decision is fair, supported by the law, and protects the safety of others, then it’s the right move.
“If a decision is fair, supported by the law, and protects the safety of others, then it’s the right move.” —La’shaun Greene
How has your John Jay education enhanced your career in law enforcement?
John Jay has deeply enhanced my career in law enforcement in so many ways. When I was working on my bachelor’s degree, I had many classes taught by professors who had policing, legal, and correctional experience straight from the field. Their perspectives in class about current events in correlation to their own experiences provided a lot of invaluable information as a future officer. I’m in the master’s program now, which so many police personnel have gone through, and I am excited and eager to keep advancing in my career.
“Law enforcement needs people from all walks of life. Your life experiences, education, and beliefs can help make a difference in any field you choose.” —La’shaun Greene
What advice would you give to future law enforcement officers?
Law enforcement needs people from all walks of life. Your life experiences, education, and beliefs can help make a difference in any field you choose. Be open to learning; the experience someone has at 25 years of service is just as helpful as someone fresh out of the academy. Don’t be afraid to be vocal about your mental health. In law enforcement and other service fields, we are always taking care of others. Sometimes we become desensitized to certain things and don’t realize how much it affects us mentally. If you feel stressed or develop anxiety, don’t ignore it. Talk to someone, whether a coworker or medical professional.
