The Cincinnati Police Department has 22 new graduates who are ready to start their careers in the city.
Members of the 105th recruit class received their commissions Friday during a ceremony at Cincinnati Christian University.
Assistant Police Chief Paul Humphries, who announced his retirement earlier this week, addressed the class. He said the most important skill is developing relationships.
“Know the people you serve, know the people you help, and know the people that you work with,” said Humphries. “It’s going to be the most important thing you take through your next however long your career is.”
The graduates are lateral transfers, meaning they were already Ohio certified police officers, but went through 12 weeks of city training to join the department.
Police Chief Jeffrey Blackwell welcomed the group to the team and told them to remember the “Cincinnati way.”
“It is a way of professionalism, respect and service to our entire community,” Blackwell said. “Especially the members of our community that have the least; the members of our community who need you the most.”
The new officers are hitting the streets at the same time Chief Blackwell is increasing street strength as part of a 90-day plan to reduce violence.
“Despite a lot of police community tensions around the country, I think we are blessed to be in a community that over the last 15 years has worked really hard to improve police/community relations,” said Mayor John Cranley. “We’re now in a place where we may debate how to reduce crime. But we’re all united in trying to reduce crime.”
The latest officers report to work Sunday and will be paired with field training officers for the next 13 weeks.
