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Benjamin Ward, first black police commissioner
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A man of courage, fortitude and determination, Benjamin Ward broke down racial barriers for minorities in law enforcement as New York City's first African-American police commissioner. In conjunction with African-American History Month, the New York City Police Museum in Lower Manhattan is honoring Ward with an exhibit that highlights his extraordinary life and career.
Commissioner Ward's career as a civil servant spanned nearly 40 years. Beginning as the first African-American police officer at Brooklyn's 80th precinct in 1951, he was a foot patrolman in an all-white neighborhood. He went on to become a lieutenant in the Patrol Division, Juvenile Aide Division, Detective Division, and Legal Bureau---and while working full-time, he earned an undergraduate degree and a law degree from Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Law School with top honors.
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| New York City Police Museum at Old Slip |
"We are extremely proud to pay tribute to this extraordinary man who overcame what seemed like insurmountable odds to become New York City's top cop," says Ninfa Segarra, executive director of the museum. "Through his devotion to law and order, his love for the City, and his commitment to the department, Benjamin Ward helped pave the way for minorities in law enforcement. His life should be an inspiration to us all."
Ward rose through the NYPD ranks, and, in 1984, Mayor Edward I. Koch appointed him to the top post as the City's 34th police commissioner, a position he held until his retirement in 1989. Throughout his tenure as commissioner of the largest police department in the nation, Ward lead the war against rising crime and murder rates due to the City's crack-cocaine epidemic. He achieved prominence by becoming one of the nation's promoters of community policing.
| WHEN DID AFRICAN-AMERICANS FIRST ENTER THE NYPD? |
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▪ In 1891, Wiley G. Overton became the first pre-consolidation African-American officer for the City of Brooklyn Police.
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▪ In 1914, Samuel J. Battle became the first African-American NYPD policeman.
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▪ In 1920, Lawon R. Bruce became the first African-American NYPD policewoman.
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When Ward passed away in June 2002, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg praised Ward's service to the City and the country: "He offered extraordinary contributions to our City and we will always be grateful."
The exhibit, which runs through March 1, 2003, features photographs and paraphernalia that chronicle Ward's career with the NYPD, as Chief of NYC Housing Authority Police and as NYC Department of Correction Commissioner, including replica shields of his many ranked positions.
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| Police badges on display |
In addition to Ward's tribute, the exhibit includes a display covering more than a century of service by African-Americans in the NYPD. This display highlights the historic firsts of African-Americans in the police force and pays homage to their many contributions to the NYPD and the communities they serve.
Permanent exhibits at the NYC Police Museum include turn-of-the-century mug shots, notorious criminals, a display of police vehicles, a jail cell, and a tribute to every NYPD officer killed in the line of duty throughout the department's history.
The New York City Police Museum is located at 100 Old Slip, four blocks south of South Street Seaport between Water and South Street. For more information, call (212) 480-3100, or log on to www.nycpolicemuseum.org.
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