Ultra-Orthodox man to join NYPD

NEW YORK - At a time when the United States is forced to deal with complicated international issues, the New York Post on Monday chose to publish on its front page the picture of 24-year-old Joel Witriol, an ultra-Orthodox man from Brooklyn, under the title: "NYPD Jew."

Witriol made history for being the first haredi Jew to join the city's forces; upon completion of the police academy, he will be the third haredi policeman in the entire US.

"I realized there were so many things you could do (as a cop) – everything from community service to fighting narcotics," said Witriol, who started the police academy Sunday.

The young haredi has a degree from the United Talmudical Seminary in Monroe and, prior to joining the force, worked as a truck driver and for a furniture company.

Witriol's love affair with the men-in-blue began three years ago, when, while working at the volunteer ambulance corps, he heard of the possibility of volunteering to the police corps.

"I decided to go and check it out," Witriol said. "I went for training and passed."

'I figured it's a good future'

According to Witriol, during his service in the heart of the largest ultra-Orthodox community in New York, he became aware that the police force is about much more than cops, robbers, and arrests.

The police officers "are not only locking up people, but they are helping people, too. I figured it's a good future," he said.

The interesting question is how Witriol will look in uniform, with peyoses (sidelocks) and a yarmulke on his head. The NYPD said it would allow him to keep his haircut, complete with a beard and long sidelocks. Likewise, it will allow him days off on Saturdays and holidays.

Witriol, whose older brother was an active duty cop in Newark, New Jersey, said that, despite the difference of appearances, he wishes to be just like any other cop.