NYPD swears in one of its first deaf interns

The New York Police Department (NYPD) swore in one of its first deaf interns on Friday, June 12. 

Heriberto Almonte - a college student - will be assigned to NYPD Community Affairs, where he will be assisting with the development of an outreach and engagement plan for the deaf and hard of hearing community. 

Almonte will be tasked with helping officers understand what it’s like to interact with the D/ deaf community. 

A resident of Brooklyn, Almonte first came to the United States when he was 12. That was also when he learnt and started communicating in sign language. 

“If it wasn’t for the NYPD or the education that I received, I wouldn’t feel confident. I wouldn’t receive the knowledge that I have today,” Almonte signed at his swearing-in ceremony.   

Prior to moving to the United States, Almonte lived in the Dominican Republic where, he added, there were no schools that understood and accommodated his needs. 

Almonte’s internship lasts up to 13 weeks, post which Almonte plans to continue working with the d/ Deaf community.