Free Program Invites Youth to Learn Art of DJing, Jam with Police

Turntables, mixers, and microphones – put them together and you just might have an ideal after-school activity for NYCHA youth in the city that gave birth to hip hop music.  

That’s according to NYCHA’s Vice President for Public Safety and Security James Secreto, who is encouraging young NYCHA residents who are interested to take part in free classes teaching disc jockeying skills. 

The classes are currently open to New York City youth ages 12 to 19 and are held on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the NYPD Community Center (127 Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn). Known as the “Cops & Kids” DJ Program, the classes give youth the opportunity to learn the art of DJing (such as mixing and scratching) on state-of-the-art equipment. At some events, the students can test their skills in DJ competitions with NYPD officers.  

Chief Secreto, who grew up in Brooklyn’s Albany Houses and served in the NYPD for 40 years, said the DJ classes provide a positive outlet to youngsters living at NYCHA developments. 

“We’re just trying to expose them to something positive, something different,” he noted. “It’s a chance for the kids to rub elbows with positive people.”  

Queens resident Todd Taylor, the producer of the Cops & Kids DJ Program, is a former NYPD Detective who founded the classes in Brooklyn after learning how local youth were being exposed to violence in their neighborhood while he was serving as a patrol officer.  

“I was trying to find a way to keep them off the streets and get them involved in something that’s going to make them some money,” said Mr. Taylor, a professional DJ who served a 20-year career in the NYPD. “We’re using music as an alternative to the violence, because we know that everybody listens to music no matter what age.”  

In addition to the potential opportunity to earn money, the art of disc jockeying can teach youth about entrepreneurship while offering stress relief and a sense of prestige when emceeing events and performing in front of crowds, Mr. Taylor noted.   

“The prestige of it all is able to attract the young people,” he said.     

Participants are not required to have any prior DJing experience (only a passion for music) and all necessary equipment is provided on site. In addition to the NYPD Community Center, classes are held at various city locations, including schools, YMCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs. 

Mr. Taylor said he welcomes NYCHA youth ages 12 to 19 to join his free DJ classes on Saturdays at the NYPD Community Center, which also offers a range of other activities, from hairstyling lessons to an aviation program.  

As part of the Cops & Kids program, Mr. Taylor said he is planning to hold some upcoming DJ battles, adding that the events have allowed the youth to develop a rapport with the officers.  

Chief Secreto noted that the Cops & Kids DJ classes are in line with his goal to expand programs for NYCHA youth, which can give them more positive influences and lead to opportunities for future success.  

“In addition to these kids having access to a positive role model, it’s something that can pay them money down the road if they’re good at it and they stay with it,” he said. 

For more information about the Cops & Kids DJ Program, email communitycenter@nypd.org.