Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly presided today over the swearing-in ceremony for 1,231 new recruits who will enter the Police Academy on Monday and, upon completing training, graduate in December. Commissioner Kelly addressed the new class at a ceremony held at Queens College before administering their oath of office.

“No matter where you’re from, no matter what you did previously, whether this is your second career or your first job out of college, you have precious skills and valuable life experience to contribute to our mission,” Commissioner Kelly said. “You’ve made a terrific decision to join the New York City Police Department, a team that has surpassed all expectations, reducing crime to record lows, defending against terrorism, and forging cooperative relationships with the people we serve.”

Recruits were born in 50 different countries, with approximately one in five new hires born overseas. Seventy-two previously served in the U.S. military, including 38 who were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Thirty-two were promoted from the police cadet corps; 23 were traffic enforcement agents and seven previously served as School Safety Agents. More than one-third of the class, 459 recruits, have earned bachelor’s or advanced degrees.

Countries of Origin

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