Jessica Morgan:
In a ceremony highlighting community engagement and civic partnership, the NYPD Citizens Police Academy Spring 2026 Graduation was recently held at 1 Police Plaza in New York City, bringing together graduates, families, and community leaders to celebrate the completion of the program.
The event, held on Friday, May 1, 2026, took place in the 1st Floor Auditorium at 1 Police Plaza, New York, NY 10038. Graduates arrived at 5:30 PM, followed by invited guests at 6:30 PM, as attendees gathered to recognize the accomplishments of participants who completed the academy’s training.
The Citizens Police Academy is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Through this initiative, participants gain insight into police operations, public safety practices, and the responsibilities of officers, fostering greater understanding and collaboration.
The program included an introduction by the Ceremonial Unit, the National Anthem by Det. Makiah Brown, an invocation by Father George Anastasiou, and remarks by NYPD Alden Isiah Foster, Deputy Commissioner of the Community Affairs Bureau. Deputy Commissioner Foster also presented certificates to the graduates.
Graduates recognized included Amy Abreu Lora, Asseham Agninde, Esther Agueda Ramirez, Kulsoom Akhtar, Tarek Aldiri, Joram Aris, Pedro Aristega, Chanabelle Arriaga, Javlonbek Assimzhanov, Juanita Austin, Rahimshah Aziz, Nicole Barth, Victor Batista, Donika Beka, Raborn Bey, Vidya Briglall, Darrell Brown, Odessa Brown, Sherline Burnett, Jozette Carter-Williams, Louis Castaldo, Yandra Castillo Grullon, Isabella Cham-Ng, Wendy Chan, Cheryl Chavis, Arthur Chin, Esther Chin, Loretta Chin, Indira Chongbang, Diane Cogen, Patricia Cooper, Lindsay Davis, Daffodil Dennis, Shaimila Desarno, Victoria Devoe, Vilmarie Flores, David Goldstein, Frances Gonzales, Paula Goolcharan, Hassan Hakmoun, Gevorg Hakobyan, Irene Henry, Erica Heredia, Jonathan Hirsch, Antonette James, Carol Jenkins, David Jenkins, Carolyn Jones, Nouaman Kadio, Keisha Kellen, Deborah Khan, Antoinette King, Doria Knight-Jackson, Kiran Kumari, Li Li, Wan Wen Li, Amir Lulja, Jody Lordo, Bejai Machadeo, Miguel Maduro Esquea, Mohammed Malik, Ravi Vaidyanath Mamandur Rajarathinam, Cleveland Manley, Joe Louis Manley, Kimberlee Marcano, Paul Marcel, Paula Melendez, Maria Mendez, Rev. Dr. Edison Mendez, Kellie Miller, Nancy Morales, Thomas Morales, Abdul Mutawally, Lurline Nelson Moore, Anthony Noble, Brian Norwood, Christine O’Brien, Rosy Oliver, Giovanna Paredes, David Pecoraro, Yildy Perez, Dalin Persaud, Diana Poveda, Paulette Pryce, Julio Quinones, Luis Alberto Ramirez Santana, Maryam Rehman, Ingrid Reyes, Clara Rivera, Rebecca Rivera, Samantha Rodriguez, Julia Rootenberg, Suzan Rosen, Lisa Rosenbaum, Tetiana Rubis, Yanis Rubis, Vicky Russell, Roger Sanchez, Carlos Sanchez-Bakman, Helen O. Sapp, Gene Schaefer, Jackie Shaab, Muhammad Shahidullah, Sadaf Sheikh, Melya Spann, Lisa Stamp, Bruce Stein, Lashon Stockton, Nizonaoy Talassova, Suo Tang, Tania Tavira, Brenton Taylor, Shirley Terry, Theresa Tisdall, Mary Tolama, Maria Trotman, Leola Turner, Lisa Vallejo, Ida Vazquez, Karime Vergara Giraldo, Mercedes White, Adrian Willis, Lynette Wilson, Natalie Wilson, and Alba Zerfiel.
Among those honored at the ceremony was Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, CEO of Save The People USA (STPUSA), who received his certificate alongside fellow graduates. His participation marked a significant honor, reflecting both personal commitment and broader community involvement. As a recognized community leader, his presence underscored the importance of engagement between civic organizations and public institutions.
The graduation ceremony emphasized the value of transparency, trust, and shared responsibility in maintaining public safety. By completing the program, graduates are better equipped to serve as informed ambassadors within their neighborhoods, bridging gaps between residents and law enforcement.
As New York City continues to prioritize stronger community-police relationships, the Spring 2026 Citizens Police Academy Graduation stands as a testament to ongoing efforts to build trust, encourage dialogue, and empower residents. The recognition of graduates, including leaders like Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, highlights the role individuals can play in shaping safer and more connected communities.
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