By Matt Kaminsky, Currier Times Staff///

Boston Police Commissioner and Curry College alum, Michael Cox, was the keynote speaker at an event the Criminal Justice department held recently.

Cox, a Master’s of Criminal Justice graduate from the class of 2000, returned to Curry to speak about his law enforcement experience, which encompasses more than 25 years on the job in Michigan and Boston.

He spoke to students about his career in law enforcement and explained how there are hardships on the job and things that can be very tough. Cox spoke about a time that while he was working with the Boston gang unit back in 1995, as a plain clothes officer, he was mistaken for a suspect that they were chasing and he ended up getting brutally beaten by his colleagues.

Cox explained that while this was an unfortunate incident, this was a time for the officers to really learn from mistakes they made. The reason he didn’t leave policing after the incident is because he wanted to help people out.

He also said that when Boston police are hiring, they are looking for people who “want to be involved in the community and helping out others and people in need.”

Cox’s speech gave a very clear message for students that the job of policing is really not all fun and games; you are out there to help the community and keep others safe and sometimes things will not go the way you want them to go.

The speech the commissioner gave was a great opportunity to really let students who are interested in the CJ field get a chance to hear from someone who has a long background in the profession.

Sebastian Kee, a Criminal Justice and Social Work major from the class of 2025, said it was a meaningful talk.

“I felt very moved by Commissioner Cox’s story being through such a horrific event,” said Kee. “The most important points he made that I remember is that you can get to where you want in your life with hard work and determination.”

Dr. Jennifer Balboni, who ran the event, said his remarks were moving.

“Commissioner Cox’s professional journey is truly incredible,” said Balboni. “Despite being a victim of police brutality himself, he persevered in the career he loves– law enforcement– and continued to rise through the ranks in policing, undeterred.”

Balboni added, “I wanted students to hear his story of personal and professional resilience in the face of true adversity. His story is inspiring not only to those interested in policing, but to anyone who is committed to doing justice in their work.”

When a student asked who BPD hires, there was an interesting answer. Cox said that the majority of the Boston officers are either from the city or they live nearby. He also said that they do not usually get officers from other departments because it is a big city and it is a significant difference compared to small local departments.

Cox will be recognized at Curry’s upcoming Graduation ceremonies on May 19th, when he receives an Honorary degree from his alma mater.