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. In this article series, we get to know the man or woman “behind the badge” and find out what challenges and inspires them in their jobs.
Ernest Morales III ’13 was determined to disrupt the narrative of poverty, incarceration, and death he witnessed growing up on the Lower East Side in the 1980s. “I went from living in the projects on public assistance to living my childhood dream,” says Morales, who earned an MS in protection management at John Jay. Morales served in the NYPD for 30 years and then made history. “I was the first Latino named First Deputy Commissioner for the Mount Vernon Police Department,” he says, adding that he also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I will be forever grateful for the experiences I gained working in law enforcement and for the education I earned at John Jay. These organizations made it possible for me to elevate myself out of poverty and give my family the life I always wanted.”
“I went from living in the projects on public assistance to living my childhood dream.” —Ernest Morales III ’13
How did your upbringing shape your aspirations? During the 1980s it was a very challenging time—we were living on welfare, there was the crack epidemic, and heroin use became prevalent in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, I had friends and family members that became involved in that drug scene and I saw them disappear—either they died or were sent to prison. When I was 13 years old, I decided I wanted to break this vicious cycle of generational poverty and substance abuse. I registered in the Boys & Girls Club, and I found a boxing program where I had trainer, Juan Rivera, who was a father figure to me. He emphasized the three Ds: determination, dedication, and discipline. I still live by those words to this day. My mother also enrolled me in the Fresh Air Fund program during the summer which gave me an opportunity to see life outside the city. By having those experiences, I was able to see the American Dream in action. I knew I wanted a better life, I just had to work for it.
What was your proudest moment in law enforcement? I’ve always been especially proud to serve communities, particularly minority communities. I was given the opportunity to be commanding officer of the 42nd precinct in the Bronx. It was a tumultuous time when I took over. Crime was high, morale in the precinct was at an all-time low, and the community was not happy with us. I told my officers, “Law enforcement is a public service, and we represent the people. If the people aren’t happy, then we’re doing something wrong.”
“Law enforcement is a public service, and we represent the people. If the people aren’t happy, then we’re doing something wrong.”—Ernest Morales III ’13
One of the things we had to do was build that bridge with the community. There are three reasons people come to a precinct—you’re either a victim of a crime, you’re receiving bad news, or you’re being arrested. I wanted to change that. I wanted the community to trust us and one of the ways I thought we could achieve that was to change how people viewed the precinct. I came up with the idea of having a free Halloween haunted house at the precinct. We raised funds and put together an amazing haunted house experience. Over the course of three days, we had a line wrapped around the block. And do you know what happened during those three days? Zero crimes were committed. After that, the community began to trust us. They made phone calls when something was about to go down. We were able to turn that relationship around. That’s the magic of true community policing.
Why John Jay? I believe education is the key to a successful life. Being a student at John Jay was so valuable. It put me in classrooms with other members of law enforcement and faculty who work in the field. They opened my mind to the possibilities of policing. My John Jay education let me see things from a different perspective and stressed the importance of understanding the community you’re serving.
“My John Jay education let me see things from a different perspective and stressed the importance of understanding the community you’re serving.” —Ernest Morales III ’13
Coming to John Jay also led to one of my proudest moments in life, sharing the commencement experience with my daughter, Justina, who graduated with me in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Being able to wear our cap and gowns and walk across that stage together meant the world.
Do you still box? Boxing instilled in me a genuine passion for sports and fitness. While I’m still involved in boxing, I don’t compete. I actually serve as Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Athletic Commission, where we regulate combat sports, like boxing, in the state. I also try to remain active and fit. Currently I have 25 marathons under my belt and have completed all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. I’m the only member of the NYPD to accomplish that.
What advice do you have for John Jay students? Service to the people, whether it’s in the military, law enforcement, or in your local community is so important. I encourage John Jay students to continue their education and follow their passion for public service. Remember, you’re there to serve others. It isn’t going to be easy, there will be challenges along the way, but integrate yourself in those communities and make the best of it. You’re there for a greater purpose.
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