Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced the hiring of 1,635 New York City Police Department recruits. Commissioner Kelly administered the oath of office to the recruits at a swearing-in ceremony inside the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. The recruits form the largest Police Academy class since 2006 and will begin official training at the Police Academy in Manhattan on Monday. Sixteen percent of the class was born overseas, in 55 different countries. More than 30 percent of the recruits hold bachelor’s degrees, and 22 have earned advanced degrees. Seventy-one served the United States military in Iraq or Afghanistan and more than half, 58 percent, resides in the five boroughs.

 “While the City’s fiscal situation remains difficult, we are committed to maintaining and building on the dramatic improvements in public safety achieved by the NYPD over the last decade,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The new class is the largest single infusion of officers into the department in five years and it reflects the diverse population it will help protect.”

 “Whether this is your second career or your first job out of college, your skills and life experience are invaluable to our mission of reducing crime, defending against terrorism, and forging cooperative relationships with the people we serve,” said Commissioner Kelly. “I look forward to joining Mayor Bloomberg this winter to celebrate your graduation.”

Recruit Demographics

Countries of Origin

Of the new recruits, 266 (16 percent) were born outside the United States and are from 55 different countries:

Forty-six police recruits previously served the City as School Safety and Traffic Enforcement Agents. Nearly 70 were Police Cadets – college apprentices who perform clerical and other assistance throughout the Department while they are in school.