NYPD Explorer program holds graduation ceremony

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Members of this year's promotional class continue on a journey to distance themselves from the dangers and temptations of the streets as they take one step closer toward what is hopefully a brighter future.

There are 1600 kids in the NYPD's Explorer program, enjoying a sense of mentorship and a new family that will be with them long after they leave the program.

According to the statistics from the NYPD, from 2022 to 2023, New York City saw an almost 27% drop in the number of shooting victims under the age of 18. There was also an almost 20% drop in the number of shooting suspects in the same age range.

Proud father Randy Richards attended the ceremony for his son Dajour Tingman. Tingman joined the program when he was 11-years-old. Now, he's 19-years-old and a captain.

Richards says without the influence of the Explorer program, these teenagers could have easily gone down the wrong path.

"It could be different. At 19, he could be on the other side of the program. He'd be locked up, he could be dead, he could be anywhere. Living where we live and in the community that we come from, this is rare. For the color of our skin, it's rare. But it's here, it's happening. He's a living example and I get to see this exhibit, that is something I don't get to see often. I am so proud."