Hate Crimes Detective

Working to Prevent Trouble

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Detective Sergeant Robert Reecks shows Kid Reporter Michael Carboni what it feels like behind the wheel of a patrol car. (Photo: Courtesy Michael Carboni)

Detective Sergeant Robert Reecks always knew he wanted to be a police officer. And as a police officer, he knew he wanted to do good things for the people in his community. With encouragement from friends—and 25 years of service—Reecks is doing just that as the commanding officer for the Suffolk County Hate Crimes Bureau. Suffolk County is on Long Island in New York.
A hate crime, or bias crime, is defined as an attack against an individual because of race, religion, or ethnic background. Hate crimes differ from regular crimes because they affect not only the person, but also the community in which the crimes are committed.

In an interview for Black History Month, Reecks talked about his job and the significance of studying black history. He told Scholastic News that Black History Month is a time to recognize African-Americans who have made a positive difference in their communities.

“Black History Month brings out different points that African-Americans have contributed to history,” he said. “Black people are human beings as well as everyone else. We all contribute to society as a whole.”

As a police officer, Reecks makes a difference through his leadership skills. He strives to keep everyone happy to stop problems before they happen. In the police world, he says, that’s a hard job. “You can't make everybody happy or solve every crime,” he said, “but I take pride in the fact that I make people feel safe in their homes.”

At the Suffolk County Hate Crimes Bureau, Reecks is in charge of seven detectives who investigate hate crimes. He became a police officer 25 years ago after working several years in customer service.

As a commanding officer, Reecks says he not only has a job, he also has a career. He proves that in his commitment to the force and to his community.

He says studying Black History is important to his job and to anyone who wants to make a difference.

“Studying history is very important,” he said. “You can't move forward until you know the past.”

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Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month with Scholastic News Online! Learn more about African-American leaders and their contributions.

Michael Carboni is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.

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