Officer Lily Almeyda (center) with members of SPEC and the GSC. Courtesy GSC

Recently, SP President Pierre-Olivier Lepage sat down with the new NW Community Police Officer Lily Almeyda:

Can you give us a little more information about your background?

I was born in the city of Boston and attended Boston Public Schools. My mother is from Guatemala and my father is from Peru. I speak fluent Spanish and I can also read and write it. I originally went to school to become a dentist but unfortunately that did not work out for me so I had to change my major to Criminal Justice. While in college I never knew what I would do with a criminal justice degree. In 2005 I received a bachelors degree from Northeastern University on a full scholarship. After college I became an Assistant Director for Residential Safety at Northeastern University for several years. I then decided to go back to school for a masters degree while working full time. I received a master of science in leadership with a concentration in organizational communications in 2008 while attending the police academy.  I attended the MBTA Transit Police academy in 2008 for 6 months and became a police officer at Harvard University. I was laid off last year and then got the opportunity to work for MIT Police. I am very happy to be here.

How would you describe your role in the NW campus?

My role in the NW community is not only one but many. I want all community members to trust me and feel comfortable to talk to me and be able to stop by with any questions or concerns. I also will serve as a problem solver for the community. I want everyone to know that I am here to answer any questions and concerns they have about anything even if it is not a police related matter. I will be in my office and also out on the street being visible to increase the feeling of safety in the area. I want to deter any feelings of uncertainty in the community.  I am looking forward to meeting everyone and hearing what they expect from me as the NW community Police Officer.

What do you like to do in your free time?

On my free time I spend as much time as I can with my 3 year old son named Davian. I love children! I also enjoy traveling, horseback riding and learning about culture. I have traveled to many countries including: Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela, Spain, France, Italy, Dominican Republic and several Caribbean islands. I also enjoy dogs. I have an English Bulldog named Remy.

 Any other information you would like to share with the community?

I want the community to know that everyone is responsible for their own safety and we can help each other to stay safe in and outside of their residences. My office is in NW86 room 141 and will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 5pm-1am, Wednesday and Friday 6pm-2am. I will be out of the office on holidays, weekends and every third Monday beginning on November 26, 2012. My office telephone number is 617-324-6026. The best way to reach me if I am not in my office is to send me an email.

By Pierre-Olivier Lepage (SP President)