Today we have with us, Retired Detective, John Baeza. He was involved in hundreds of criminal investigations in his 20-year law enforcement career. Det. Baeza began his career as a New York State Correction Officer; worked patrol in Harlem's 32nd Precinct, and served as an undercover police officer and detective in the Manhattan North Narcotics and Major Case Units. Thereafter he transferred to the Manhattan Special Victims Squad, where he was responsible for the investigation of sex crimes, serial rape, sexual homicide, and child abuse. In his career, he won two exceptional merit and two commendation awards for acts of bravery involving personal risk to life and eight exceptional police duty awards for intelligent acts contributing to a valuable accomplishment.

Det. Baeza went on to become the Director of Security, United States Presidential Campaign, for Senator Rand Paul.

Det. Baeza is a diplomate at the International Association of Forensic Investigators (IAFI) – Criminal Investigation, Criminal Profiling. In 2022, Det. Baeza has been inducted into the National Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame-Courage in Service Award.

He has been published in the Journal of Behavioral Profiling and books such as the Rape Investigation Handbook, among other publications. Det Baeza regularly appears on media channels and shows including Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and America’s Most Wanted. Det. Baeza, our team is truly honored to have you with us today.

Our topic today is - Why are so many minors under 19, joining armed robbery gangs like “Own Every Dollar” in New York City, and what challenges does the NYPD face while trying to curb gang robberies?