FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Queens, NY — Justin Mitchell, a 10th-grade Law major at Cardozo High School, has achieved an extraordinary honor after winning the New York City Police Department’s prestigious Police Commissioner for a Day Essay Contest.
On June 15, 2026, Justin was officially sworn in as Police Commissioner for a Day by the City’s First Deputy Police Commissioner. Although the Police Commissioner was unable to attend due to a family bereavement, the ceremony remained a memorable and inspiring event celebrating outstanding student leadership from across New York City.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Justin spent the day experiencing the responsibilities and operations of the NYPD firsthand. His schedule included executive briefings, a tour of the Crime Laboratory, demonstrations with the Bomb Squad, K-9 Unit, and Mounted Unit, as well as a patrol tour of New York Harbor. The event also recognized student essay winners from every precinct citywide, with participants serving as honorary precinct leaders and borough chiefs for the day.
While all participants received certificates commemorating their achievement, Justin was additionally honored with a special plaque recognizing his exceptional accomplishment.
A highlight of Justin’s experience was presenting an innovative youth development program he created called “Beat Fight Lab.” Inspired by his personal experiences growing up as a young African American male in Queens, the initiative combines two of his passions—drumming and boxing—to provide positive outlets, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities for young people facing challenges.
Justin is an accomplished drummer with the NY Alliance Drumline and a boxer with the Eastern Queens Boxing Club. His vision for Beat Fight Lab integrates music, fitness, discipline, and community engagement to help teens develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
The concept has generated significant interest, and city officials are exploring opportunities to launch the program at Police Athletic League (PAL) centers and recreation facilities throughout New York City.
Building on this momentum, Justin is currently transforming Beat Fight Lab into a limited liability company (LLC) while receiving entrepreneurial coaching through Showing Hearts/Youthpreneurship, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs. Seed funding to help advance his vision was generously sponsored by Resorts World.
Justin’s achievement reflects not only academic excellence and civic engagement but also his commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for other young people. His story serves as an inspiring example of youth leadership, innovation, and community impact in New York City.
About Justin Mitchell
Justin Mitchell is a sophomore at Cardozo High School in Queens, New York, where he is enrolled in the Law Program. He is an active member of the NY Alliance Drumline, a boxer with the Eastern Queens Boxing Club, and the founder of Beat Fight Lab, an innovative youth development initiative that combines music and boxing to empower young people.
