Social responsibility is among Mike King’s many goals in his new position as the new head of the Special Victims Unit for the New York Police Department.
King, a 20-year NYPD veteran who will graduate in December from the cyber security Master’s degree program at SJC Brooklyn, will be in charge of overseeing every sexual assault case reported in New York City. He stressed that he plans to improve the unit’s reputation, as he advocates for women’s rights.
“I’m against violence against women and, especially since I’m attending college, I’d like to get that message out,” said King, whose appointment has been reported on by numerous media outlets, including WABC-TV.
“There have been a lot of instances that have happened at colleges that don’t get reported … I want to get the message out to college students that if you are a person who is a victim of sexual violence or sexual assault, the NYPD Special Victims Unit wants to hear from you. We want to hear your story. Don’t let anyone stop you from reporting — come to us.”
King has long aspired to head the unit. He said he feels prepared for the challenges of the roll because of his unique background — he’s a forensic nurse and has experience as the second in command of the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force.
And his SJC degree in cyber security will make his skill set even stronger.
“There is a cyber aspect to every situation — whether it’s sexual assault, homicide, terrorism — because we live in a world that’s so dependent on cyber and internet,” King said. “Every case has something to do with some sort of computer device.”
We welcome Deputy Inspector Michael King as our new Commanding Officer. He has extensive experience in investigations as well as a background in forensic nursing. pic.twitter.com/G5spn57eLF
— NYPD Special Victims (@NYPDSVU) September 5, 2020
Tackling Crime and a Master’s Degree
King started studying cyber security in 2018, taking advantage of the evening classes offered at the College. On days where he needs to attend class — usually two nights a week — he has a long schedule. He lives in Staten Island, works in Manhattan, and finishes out his day on campus in Clinton Hill.
“All the classes I take go from 6-9 p.m., so I am able to go to work during the day and have enough time to commute from Manhattan to the College to get school done,” King said. “Those days turn out to be long days, but at the end of the semester, it’s worth it. You’re two more classes down, and can continue on to the next.”
King is a recipient of the SJC Law Enforcement Scholarship, an award set up between the College and the NYPD that offers one undergraduate and one graduate scholarship per year.
He pursued his degree at SJC Brooklyn because of the attentive and knowledgeable professors, and the generous scholarship, he said.
“It’s been great,” King said of his experience at SJC. “I got a scholarship from being part of the NYPD, there’s small class sizes and a beautiful campus.
“The professors have been very approachable, and knowledgeable, and are very up-to-date with cyber,” he continued. “They get on our level and are always willing to help anyone. As someone who is an adult learner, and has to go to work every day, that’s a very attractive quality for a professor to have.”
