John Monaghan is the founder and lead instructor of The Key (nypdthekey.com) and an expert consultant in police policy and procedure.
He is a retired NYPD Captain, having served from 1984 to 2004, including executive-level roles where he helped shape and publish departmental policy.
NYPD Career (1984–2004)
John served in a wide range of assignments from patrol through executive command.As a Captain (1999–2004), he served as the Commanding Officer of the Management Orders and Directives Section (MODS), where he wrote and analyzed policy, briefed senior leadership, and served as the final reviewer and publisher of NYPD policy directives. He also served as Supervisor of Patrol, acting as the Department’s executive-level field supervisor on the overnight shift, overseeing borough-wide operations.As a Lieutenant (1997–1999), he served as an Integrity Control Officer (ICO), managing compliance and internal investigations and serving as liaison to both the District Attorney’s Office (New York County) and the Internal Affairs Bureau. Earlier in his career, he served as a Police Officer and Sergeant, working uniformed and plainclothes assignments, anti-crime operations, and investigative functions, and testifying in grand juries, suppression hearings, and criminal trials.
Commands / Assignments
•Police Officer: 52 Precinct
•Sergeant: 25 & 26 Precincts; Manhattan North Task Force (Anti-Crime)
•Lieutenant: 33 Precinct Integrity Control Officer (ICO)
•Captain: 47 Precinct Executive Officer (XO)
•OMAP
•Management Orders & Directives Section (MODS) -Commanding Officer
Promotion List History
•Sergeant: List No. 93
•Lieutenant: List No. (approx. 112)
•Captain: List No. 33
Notably, John appeared before CARB and was promoted to Lieutenant two days before the exam—then went on to achieve the highest score in the city.
Awards & Decorations
John was decorated 28 times for the intelligent performance of duty, including:
•1 Commendation
•5 Meritorious Awards
•22 Excellent Police Duty (EPD) Awards
The Key (1998–Present)
John is the Proprietor of The Key, a New York-based test preparation school focused on NYPD promotion exams. He created and maintains an extensive body of work that turns complex NYPD policies and procedures into clear, structured lesson plans, and he delivers 10–20 classes per week across the New York area. The Key has helped prepare thousands of members for promotion, including many who have gone on to serve in senior NYPD leadership ranks.
Consultant / Expert Witness (2004–Present)
John has consulted on over a hundred civil cases and has testified as an expert witness in New York State Supreme Court and in U.S. District Courts (Southern, Eastern, and Northern Districts of New York). He has worked with public and private organizations, law firms, and police unions, and has delivered continuing legal education presentations—including a multi-hour CLE course for attorneys on the Use of Force and its application in civil litigation. John has also testified before the United States Congress, House Judiciary Committee (Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security).
Education
•Harvard University (Kennedy School of Government) Master of Public AdministrationRecipient of the John B. Pickett Fellowship (National Institute of Justice)
•John Jay College of Criminal Justice Degree in Criminal Justice
•Mount Saint Michael Academy Bronx, NY
•Manhattan College School of Business 64 credits (business coursework)Publications & MediaJohn has written on NYPD testing and policy issues for The Chief Leader (Civil Service Newspaper) and The Citizen (Harvard Kennedy School newspaper). He has also appeared as a commentator on major networks including CNN, MSNBC, NBC, and Newsmax.
Professional Affiliations
•International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
•NYPD Honor Legion
•American Mensa
Personal
Married and a father of three.