Running Code

Officer Greymi Zapata, a 5-year veteran of NNPD, is the featured guest on the 51st episode of the Running Code podcast. The native of the Dominican Republic moved to Newport News at age 11 and became interested in a law enforcement career while attending college. Now, she faithfully serves Newport News’ South Precinct, often serves as a Spanish-speaking translator for the department while interacting with the city’s growing Hispanic population and teaching NNPD’s Hispanic Citizen Police Academy.

We reach a big milestone – the Running Code podcast airs its 50th episode. To commemorate this achievement, we had to bring on a special guest, and Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones was kind enough to join us.
In this far-ranging discussion, Mayor Jones talks about his military service and its influence on his current role, the importance of public safety in city policy, the future of Newport News, and much more. Also – stick around to the end to learn Mayor Jones’ secret talent.

School Resource Officer Keeyson Hughes is the guest on this week’s Running Code podcast. Officer Hughes has the distinction of not only serving the city of Newport News, but also serving his country as a reservist in the U.S. Army. After recently returning from deployment, he has resumed his role of working in the city’s schools.

Lt. Michael Sinclair’s career with NNPD has been a diverse one, not unlike many officers in the city. From stints in patrol and investigations, to heading up the NNPD Training Academy, Crisis Negotiations Team, to now overseeing the department’s Real Time Crime Center, Lt. Sinclair has had his hands in many fascinating areas of policing. In the latest Running Code podcast, Lt. Sinclair talks about these roles, his journey to becoming a policeman, and his role as a swimming coach, among other topics.

Now in his 20th year with the department, Sgt. J.J. Thompson has held key roles in patrol and investigative units. He currently is a Sergeant over the Aggravated Assault Unit.
In this episode, Sgt. Thompson talks about his route to joining NNPD, his favorite assignments, managing the stresses of the job, his family, and more.