MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER SAFIR WELCOME 1,043 NEW RECRUITS TO THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today welcomed more than 1,000 new police recruits to the New York City Police Department at a swearing-in ceremony held at Queens College. The 1,043 new recruits will begin an extensive training program at the Police Academy.
Addressing the recruits for the first time, Mayor Giuliani said, "You are now part of the finest law enforcement agency in the world. The career you have chosen is not an easy one. It is difficult and demanding. The personal sacrifice will be great, but the rewards are tremendous.
"Over the last four years, New York City has asked much from our police officers and time and again they have surpassed our greatest expectations," the Mayor continued. "Because of the professionalism and dedication of the men and women of the New York City Police Department, neighborhoods once considered the City's most dangerous are now safer than they have been since the 1960's. And according to the FBI, New York is now the safest large City in America. But our greatest challenges remain. Just as the cynics said we could never reduce crime, I know that we will succeed in our fight to eliminate drugs from our City's neighborhoods and schools -- and you the future of the New York City Police Department will be on the front lines of this battle.
"As you prepare to become officers of the New York City Police Department, these are the challenges that you will face and ultimately conquer. I would like to congratulate you and your families on the very important step you are taking today -- I know that you will continue to lead the Department into the next century with the same commitment to professionalism and excellence that have defined the New York City Police Department," the Mayor concluded.
Police Commissioner Safir said, "I want to congratulate all of you here today on becoming the newest members of the New York City Police Department. As police officer recruits, you are about to begin a new phase in your lives that will bring about many changes in years ahead. Being a member of this Department will bring you happy and joyous occasions as well as serious responsibilities, that will test and challenge all of your abilities. Whether you are on or off-duty, you will be required to meet the highest standards of conduct in all you do and say. As police officers, you must never forget that your actions will always be interpreted as being representative of this Department.
"Courtesy, professionalism and respect is what we expect from all of our Police Officers each and every day. We are determined to show the world that this Department can aggressively fight crime without abusing the citizens we are hired to serve and sworn to protect. If you can do that, if you have the integrity and professionalism we demand, and the sensitivity and understanding to deal with the wide variety of people who live and work in New York City, you will have successful careers. Good luck to all of you and have a happy holiday season," Commissioner Safir concluded.
In 1997, overall crime has declined by 44 percent since 1993 led by a 60 percent reduction in murders.
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