Corey Pegues, a native of Queens, New York, boasts a diverse and accomplished career as a retired NYPD Executive, Author, Motivational Speaker, Community Leader, and Expert on police-related topics. Additionally, Corey has been admitted as an expert witness in Montgomery County, MD.
Commencing his professional journey, after high school, Corey enlisted in the United States Army, where he served nearly four years as a Medical Specialist, until his honorable discharge in March 2001. Subsequently, he continued his military service in the New York State National Guard, for the next 14 years.
In January 1992, Corey entered the N.Y.C. Police Academy, embarking on his law enforcement career. Following graduation, he was assigned to the 114th Precinct in Astoria, Queens, and earned promotions through high scores on civil service exams. In 2005, Corey achieved the rank of Captain, and within 18 months, he received a discretionary promotion to the Executive rank of Deputy Inspector from the Police Commissioner.
Throughout his career, Corey commanded some of the most challenging precincts in New York City, consistently achieving crime reduction. His exemplary service culminated in his retirement in March 2013 after 21 years of dedicated service.
Post-retirement, Corey penned his memoir, "Once A Cop – The Street, The Law, Two Worlds, One Man," published in May 2016 by Simon and Schuster imprint Atria Books. The book chronicles his journey from a teenage drug dealer in Queens, NY, to his remarkable ascent in the NYPD, also highlighting his military experience and transformative life choices. In 2022, Corey’s memoir was adapted into a feature documentary film – “A Cops and Robbers Story” produced by Vernon Films.
Corey has been featured on various television and radio programs, including The Oprah Winfrey Network Show, Fix My Life with Iyanla Vansant, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and many others. As a legal analyst, he has contributed insights on high-profile cases, with regular appearances on CourtTV and the Law and Crime Trial Network.
Educationally, Corey holds a B.S. in Organizational Management from St. Joseph College, an M.P.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership from St. John’s University, and a Post Graduate Certificate from the Police Management Institute at Columbia University, School of Business. He served as an adjunct professor for five years at Monroe Community College and Medgar Evers College. Currently, Corey continues to make a meaningful impact through his expertise, storytelling, and commitment to community and law enforcement issues.