Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Marilyn Mode (212) 374-6700 (NYPD)
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today presided over the graduation of 1,029 new members of the New York City Police Department at a ceremony held in Madison Square Garden. Today's graduates will strengthen the Department's anti-crime and anti-drug efforts, which have driven overall crime down nearly 50 percent, and homicide 70 percent, since 1993.
"Today you become members of the New York City Police Department, the finest police department in the world," Mayor Giuliani said. "This Department is a family composed of 40,000 men and women who are trained to uphold the law and dedicated to the safety of the people of this City," the Mayor said.
"I believe that being protected from crime and intimidation is a right without which other rights would be meaningless. You are the people who make this sacred right possible. Because of your dedication and hard work -- because of your colleagues accomplishments – over the last five years, new York City has undergone a historic transformation. Since 1993, murders have dropped 70 percent citywide, overall crime has been reduced by nearly half and areas of the City once considered war zones are now thriving neighborhoods where families and businesses flourish," the Mayor continued.
"Today, New York City is the safest large city in America. To continue this transformation, and ensure our future success, we have embarked on a major initiative to reduce drug abuse and drug trafficking in the City of New York. You will be an important part of this effort – an effort that is already producing dramatic results.
"You have taken a solemn oath to serve and protect the people of this City, and at times, to put your lives on the line – as thousands before you have done – for the sake of your fellow New Yorkers. Your legacy will be a City where --- . Good luck and godspeed," the Mayor concluded.
Police Commissioner Safir, addressing today's graduates, said, "Over the past five years, we have transformed this City from being the crime capital to being the Capital of the World. The dramatic success has brought a great deal of attention. It is no exaggeration to say that the eyes of the world are on this City and this great Department. The expectations of the citizens we serve have also risen along with the level of order and safety. Meeting those higher expectations is the challenge that lies ahead of you."
"We have strategies for fighting crime, but one of the most important strategies is made up of three simple words: Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect," Commissioner Safir continued. "CPR is not just a slogan -- it is the way we do business. If you always give each and every person the courtesy, professionalism and respect you expect for yourselves and your families, you will find those qualities returned to you. Practicing CPR everyday will help you to strengthen your ties to those you serve, and those ties will add to the satisfaction this job can bring you."
The 884 men and 145 women of the graduating class, made 967 arrests, including 99 felony arrests, and issued 14,455 summonses while in field training. Forty-seven cadets also graduated today. 338 of the graduates have a 4 year degree.
Several outstanding graduates were also recognized at the ceremony. Danielle Ronelli, of Company 97-41, received the Mayor's Award, given to the graduate with the highest overall average. The Police Commissioner's Award to the highest academic average went to Cody Gill, of Company 97-31. Manuel Pombo, of Company 97-43 received the Finest Foundation Award for Community Service for his assistance in a narcotics arrests while assigned to the Police Academy Field Training.