Бывший детектив полиции Нью-Йорка проводит уроки диджеинга для подростков в Бруклине

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — Retired NYPD Detective Todd Taylor gave a spirited presentation and live DJ demonstration aimed at at-risk youth in the Kings County Supreme Court building the afternoon of Aug. 6. The Izetta Johnson Internship Empowerment Program and Summer Youth Employment Program sponsored the event. While it taught DJ skills like mixing and scratching, the main purpose was to keep young people off the streets and out of trouble. “A lot of times when people see police officers, they would never think that we would do something like this,” said Todd Taylor, retired NYPD detective and entertainment consultant at Taylor-Made Productions. “Pretty much everybody is into music. The goal is for kids to have a good time and learn something in the process.” The program is open to New York City youth between the ages of 12 and 19 and takes place on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the NYPD Community Center in Brooklyn. Classes will also be held at various city locations, including schools, YMCAs, and Boys and Girls Clubs. The only requirement to participate is a passion for music. Born in East Flatbush, Taylor spent 20 years on the force and pursued DJing as a hobby. In the mid-90s, he turned that pastime into a way to help and mentor young people. “I started in 1990 as a cop in the 77th Precinct in Crown Heights, walking a foot post on Utica Avenue. As time went on, I began seeing a lot of kids getting recruited into gangs, getting into trouble and doing stupid things, so I applied for the position as youth officer,” Taylor said. Taylor had been DJing since he was 13 and continued doing so as an officer. He eventually saw an opportunity to use DJing as a way to help keep kids out of trouble — and out of prison. Taylor said he started going around the community asking kids if they wanted to be DJs or learn how. “At that time, I was just a uniform cop,” Taylor said. “I wasn’t even a detective yet, but I was determined to give it a shot, so I walked around the neighborhood and got kids to sign up for my program. I came in on my day off, went to one of the schools, used their gym and the line was around the corner.” According to Taylor, young people from all different backgrounds joined. “I was like, you know what, maybe I’m on to something,” he said. He continued coming in on Saturdays to teach kids DJ skills throughout the ’90s and the aughts. In 2005, the NYPD moved Taylor into community affairs. “They told me I was really good with the kids and the DJ stuff, and I started working with the Police Athletic League,” he said. Taylor, who retired in 2010, said that many of the young people he educated and inspired some decades ago now work for his company. “We travel around the world,” Taylor said. “We just came back from Barbados, and we’re going to England next year, so we’re all over the place.” Taylor told the interns he hoped they left with one thing: “I want you to remember that this is New York City. There are 8.6 million people here, and should you choose to pursue DJing, there is most certainly money to be made.” Subscribe to Continue Reading SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.” BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel. ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.” BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.