Mark Turner

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, May 2010

Please describe your academic background including the reason(s) for enrolling in the M.S. program at the School of Continuing Education.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American history from the University at Albany in New York. I ascribe to the notion that history is something you learn from and not live in. The field of conflict studies has been chronicled by many, and yet conflict resolution has been a very recent development. Theoretical and practical approaches are being researched, debated and tested around the world. Conflict as a phenomenon has unfortunately been equated with a negative connotation that relegates conflicting events to an undesirable category. However, conflict can breed opportunity and its importance as a positive force for change has yet to be fully appreciated or adopted. The M.S. program in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution is the only master’s program of its kind in the tri-state area and it has allowed Columbia University to claim an important stake in this ever growing field of study. I was fortunate to receive a Raymond W. Kelly Scholarship from the New York Police Department (NYPD), which allowed me to advance my education endeavors on a full time basis while receiving my salary. My sabbatical began in September 2009 and concluded in July 2010. The Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program has expanded my knowledge level on the subject and has the potential to improve the way NYPD will police in the future.

Please describe your professional background leading up to your current position.

The Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program was a natural fit for both my current profession and future aspirations. I am currently a sergeant in the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which has the largest police force in the United States with over 32,000 police officers. Conflict is a daily occupational encounter for police officers. Negotiation and conflict resolution directly relates to the problem solving policing. Problem solving policing can and has included crime suppression, counter terrorism and community relations. Currently, I have been assigned by the police commissioner to the unit that oversees training of 32,000 officers. The mandate is to create a problem solving component for NYPD that addresses conflict resolution and its potential benefits for personal as well as professional growth of officers. The training program will be designed in a manner that will incorporate all executive officers (captains), managers (lieutenants), and supervisors (sergeants) as well as the newly promoted officers from the academy.

What is a typical day like in your current position?

A typical day consists of observing various training programs to assess the feasibility of adding or improving the NYPD's curriculum pertaining to conflict resolution. Such training includes all promotional ranks e.g. captains, lieutenants, sergeants, detectives, emergency service as well as newly promoted officers.

How did the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program help you prepare for your career?

Negotiation and conflict resolution is a burgeoning field with enormous potential at the national and international level. The M.S. program has equipped me with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make an impact at the local level. Conflict resolution and problem solving policing are not exclusive of each other; they are complimentary components of police work. I welcome the challenge with our future training programs and I thank Columbia University and the School of Continuing Education for the opportunity to advance my education along with my career.

What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue careers in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution?

The field of negotiation and conflict resolution is emerging as an interesting and exciting field in both private and public sectors. I have always been interested in service to people in need of assistance as a way to promote positive social interaction.