In 2023, more than 2,200 potential candidates had to be rejected because they couldn't meet the college requirement, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

And Tejada got his answer from the commissioner. "She said she's making programs for kids and teenagers so they can be interested in joining the NYPD when they grow up," he said. Thursday night's event was all part of the Harlem S.A.V.E. initiative. It works to protect children from gun violence.