Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Samantha Lugo (212) 788-9364
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir today presided over a swearing in ceremony for approximately 1,500 new police recruits as they entered the New York City Police Academy.
"On behalf of the City of New York, I am proud that you have answered the call to become part of New York's Finest," the Mayor said. "Your new extended family, the New York City Police Department, is now 40,000 strong - the strongest it has ever been in our City's history. As you know, and will soon experience first hand, it is the best trained, the best equipped, the most professional and the most restrained police force in the nation.
"Over the past five years, New York City has become the standard by which crime reduction is measured. Our success in cutting crime 50 percent across the City and murder by 70 percent, has changed the everyday lives of New Yorkers, and it has changed the nation's perception of our City. The credit for these historic drops in crime rests squarely upon the bravery of our men and women in uniform, whose ranks you are joining today.
"Our success has depended and will continue to depend on your ethics and commitment. It is an awesome responsibility, but I know that you will honor this Department and earn the respect of the citizens whom you have sworn to serve and protect. There is no more important role that a person can play in the daily life of the Capital of the World," the Mayor concluded.
New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir in addressing the new police recruits said, "The oath of office you have taken stands as a pact between you and those you serve. It symbolizes the great trust that has been placed in your fairness, good judgement, knowledge of the law, and the willingness to place yourselves in harm's way to protect life and property."
The diverse class of new recruits commenced a career in law enforcement by taking an oath to serve the public and protect both life and property. The group now enters the rigorous Police Academy training. This is the second class to enter the academy in 1998.
The Mayor and Police Commissioner stressed that although the class enters the force at a time when crime in the City has fallen to historic low levels, the recruits will be held to the high standards that distinguish the Department. They will be counted upon to face the challenge of maintaining a safe City and to honor the Department's promise to serve with Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect.