Sixty-four new officers have joined the Prince George’s County police force.
The new police officers, along with three officers who are joining the Baltimore City Schools Police, graduated this month from the police academy.
The academy takes about six to seven months to complete, Cpl. Henry Tippett, a police spokesman, said.
At the graduation ceremony, Prince George’s County Police Chief Roberto Hylton told the recruits to perform their work with “professionalism, compassion and enthusiasm” and to listen to members of the community.
“You are now part of a group that is the most visible image of law and order — uniformed police officers,” he said.
Several graduates were recognized for achievements at the academy:
Paul Gamabardella received the chief’s leadership award.
Simon Vanleuven received the award for the top scholastic achiever.
Ikemefuna Ejimnkeone was awarded the outstanding student officer prize.
Jenna Deacon received the award for achievement in criminal law.
Maria Ferguson and James McMillan Jr., were awarded the prizes for physical fitness.
The officers will join divisions across the department, Tippett, said. He said their assignments are determined by the department’s “manpower needs.”
The most recent class wasn’t the only crop of new officers to join the force this year. In April, 45 officers graduated from the police academy. Of those, 38 joined the Prince George’s County police, one joined the county’s fire department, four joined the Prince George’s County division of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police and two joined the Laurel Police Department.
The Prince George’s County Police Department has about 1,400 officers.
