The NYPD graduation ceremony this past Monday gives nearly 1,000 police recruits the call to be ethical protectors for New York City.
During controversial times, these new police officers must respond to societal diseases of violence and callousness.
New York City’s new officers, along with all their NYPD colleagues, can inspire the nation by exemplifying courtesy, respect, and community.
The order of the day and throughout their careers is to reflect character, ethics, and leadership as their moral compass.
America is Watching
The NYPD is under a microscope and the eyes of the nation are watching.
A full force renewal to effective policing principles (police–people collaboration) has been ignited by the Ferguson event and local issues in New York City including:
- The Eric Garner “chokehold” tragedy
- An accidental shooting death of a civilian by an NYPD officer in a public housing development
- The grand jury decision to not indict the officer involved with the Eric Garner incident and protests
- The tragic deaths of Officer Rafael Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu
Police officers must respond to these challenges by polishing their shields with courtesy, professionalism, and respect, as enshrined on each NYPD vehicle.
These virtues—that have the power to transform society by building bridges were evident on Saturday, Dec. 27.
