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MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER SAFIR PRESIDE OVER GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 1,200 NEW POLICE OFFICERS
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and New York City Police Department Commissioner Howard Safir today presided over the graduation ceremony for 1,200 new officers of the New York City Police Department at Madison Square Garden. Mayor Giuliani inspired the graduates to take to the streets and to continue the City's efforts to rid the streets and schools of drugs and gang activity.
"I'm here today with tremendous pleasure, pride, and hope," said Mayor Giuliani. "You have made a commitment to defend and protect the lives of millions of New Yorkers. Every day that you put on that uniform you will put your lives on the line. Your job is difficult, but it is also full of unimaginable rewards. Over the last four years our Police Officers have been asked to do more, and they've responded. We have seen violent crime drop to levels not seen since the 1960s, all across the City -- especially in neighborhoods that used to be considered the most dangerous.
"We have announced a comprehensive effort to substantially reduce the level of drug abuse in the City and remove gangs from our streets. Police officers will assume a greater role in the DARE program, which teaches kids to be self-confident and assertive and shows them the dangers of drugs, as well as the GREAT program, which teaches them the dangers of gangs. Our schools and surrounding areas must be safe. They should be havens for learning. Our children have the right to learn in safety -- and to walk to school without being afraid of what might happen to them on the way. Through our "Safe Corridors" program our children are protected as they walk to and from school -- whether they take the bus, the subway, or walk directly from home. In recent weeks we have committed to keeping dealers away from our children by doubling both Safe Corridors and Drug Free School Zones.
"There's one more thing that we still must achieve -- security inside the schools. When parents turn their child over to the protection of our public school system, we have a moral obligation to ensure them that their child will be safe. We must fulfill this moral obligation. I will continue to urge the Board of Education to allow the Police Department to oversee security in the schools, and that the Department should handle the security in schools with the most problems. I congratulate you all and wish you the best of luck as you take the next watch over our City," the Mayor concluded.
Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, "Through the successful completion of your training in the Police Academy, you have all earned the right to join the ranks of the 'Finest.' It is a nickname that all New York City Police Officers wear with pride, one that comes with a long heritage of courage and valor as well as integrity and professionalism. The promise you've made today -- to defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of New York -- along with the gun and shield that you have been given -- carries great responsibility and should not be viewed lightly.
"Your job, and the challenge we all face, will be to continue to drive down the crime rate until every neighborhood in this City is safe to live in and safe for our children to play in," the Commissioner continued. The fact that you've completed the Police Academy only means that your lessons have only just begun. Let your youth and enthusiasm serve to inspire and perhaps renew the spirit of those with more experience. I am happy to see that the proud legacy and heritage of this Department will be placed in the hands of intelligent and dedicated officers. I wish you every success in your careers and great happiness in your lives."
The Police Department requires the successful completion of training at the Police Academy and a four-week Field Training Program to be eligible for graduation. The Field Training Program offers recruits one month of practical training to build on their academic curriculum. Today's graduates will be assigned to patrol duties in each of the City's 76 precincts and both the Housing and Transit Bureaus throughout the City. The Police Department plans to commit 1,000 officers to the new anti-drug initiatives in Southeast Queens and the South Bronx, to complement the highly successful and ongoing initiatives in Northern Manhattan and Brooklyn North. The Mayor also emphasized the need for zero tolerance for police officers who act criminally, irresponsibly, or dishonestly.
Sixty-eight percent of the graduating class members reside in New York City. Approximately sixty-percent have at least two-years of college experience, forty-three percent hold four-year degrees or higher and fourteen percent have prior military experience. Today's graduates include former teachers, civil engineers, architects, investment bankers, artists and several attorneys.
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