Metropolitan Police Department: Chief Ramsey Welcomes Newest Recruit Graduates to MPDC-Page 2

Some of the survivors expressed frustration that, while one case can generate month after month of "front-page coverage," the homicide of their loved one may have received four lines in the back pages of the Washington Post. These survivors are frustrated and hurt, because they care about their loved ones just as much as the Levys care about Chandra. They are grieving just as deeply, and they want comfort and closure as much as every other survivor does.

It's hard explaining to some victims and survivors that it's not the police who decide what makes it on the evening news or in the morning papers - that's what news editors and executives do. But it is our job to provide service - thorough, caring and professional service - to anyone and everyone in need. And, now, it's your job as well... as new members of this Department.

When no one else seems to be paying attention, or to care, it's your job to step in with a helping hand... and to do so with interest, with energy, with care and always with compassion.

Outside of family members or close friends, you may be the only person in an official capacity to talk with a victim or a survivor about their case, to hear their concerns, to understand their anguish and their fear. Treat that interaction, not as some type of routine matter - fill out the paperwork and be gone. Treat it as an opportunity, a chance to provide some comfort and some hope to someone in need. Treat it as an opportunity to gather that nugget of information you or the detectives may need to solve the case - to take an offender off the streets and bring some closure to the victims.

Do those things - and do them well and do them always - and you will be judged a hero in the community you serve.

In closing, let me say once again to all of our new officers ... "congratulations" and "welcome." You have proven that you have what it takes to be a member of this Department and this profession. You have demonstrated proficiency in all of the things we have asked you to do thus far. But now, the challenges become much greater, and the stakes much, much higher.

Our residents - those who live outside the glare of the media spotlight, trying in their own way to lead safe and productive lives - are relying on you to help them achieve their goals. The community itself has an important role to play in this process. And under "Policing for Prevention," we are empowering the community to be a strong and active partner in fighting - and preventing - crime.

But remember: as police officers, you play a special role in this process. It is a role that carries considerable risk and sacrifice, but also a role that gives you an amazing opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. Seize that opportunity ... this day and every day of your career. Recognize the tremendous potential you have as a single police officer and as a member of this Department. And put that potential to work for our communities.