Ruben Caban

Transforming ideas into social action and leadership, Mr. Ruben Caban has capably applied all the concepts and principles he has ever learned from studying at the preeminent national and international leader in educating for justice: John Jay College of Criminal Justice. As a hardworking and respected Police Lieutenant at the New York City Police Department, Ruben has rendered extensive meritorious service and has earned numerous awards for his exemplary leadership. Aside from being awarded for Finest Uniform Appearance and a Unit Citation in 1992, Mr. Caban has amassed: 12 Excellent Police Duty Awards; 2 Combat Crosses; 6 Meritorious Awards; 2 Bribery Arrest Citations; and 2 Chamber of Commerce Awards.

First serving at the 41st Precinct as a Patrol Officer from January 1986 to July 1998, Mr. Ruben Caban responded to alarms, emergencies and 911 calls in addition to patrolling his assigned sector and providing uniformed enforcement. In the course of his performance of work duties, Ruben also initiated conflict resolution in domestic disputes, and promoted positive relations between the NYPD and businesses within the community. While at the 41st Precinct, he served in the Conditions Unit as an undercover operative for underage drinking operations and also for social clubs to monitor the illegal selling of liquor, aside from fulfilling undercover duties for fencing operations and decoy assignments.

His first role as a Patrol Officer also enabled Mr. Ruben Caban to serve in the Anti-Crime Unit, where, as a plainclothes agent, he was given the opportunity to employ a proactive approach to combat crimes within the command. Ruben became a member of the 33rd Precinct in July 1998, and it was here that he worked as a Sergeant until September 2004. Seriously taking his role as a law enforcer, he organized and implemented a Conditions Unit to combat burglaries, crimes and any other conditions by way of self-initiatives such as fencing operations, nuisance abatement and eventual padlock. Those operations he took active part in readily brought down the burglary stats in the Washington Heights neighborhood.