BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- A warm welcome for the newest public servants that have been getting a cold reception in some communities lately. The Broome County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Academy graduated its newest class Friday.
This, in the midst of growing tension between law enforcement and the public. Tension that has urged law enforcement to put more emphasis on certain training.
"How our diversity classes are run, how our social interaction, our community policing classes, they haven't changed. They're still the same basics, but we've just added onto them," said Lt. Ben Harting, Broome County Sheriff's Office patrol division.
"One of the things that we do and I do and I try to put a stamp on it is to teach these guys to treat everybody professionally. Treat them with respect and also use your communication skills before anything else comes into play," said Sgt. Sammy Davis, Academy director.
Some officers are concerned about how recent events may have affected recruitment.
"It seems across the nation that the numbers are dipping as people are saying, 'they're not paying me enough to deal with what's going on in society,'" said Harting.
"It's a tough job that we do, but we still get a numerous amount of recruits, people that want to become recruits," said Davis.
In fact, officers say the number of recruits is based on the number of positions available.
Last year, Binghamton, alone, recruited 20 officers, the largest in the city's history, making this year's number stand at six.
"It's whatever they have funding for, so if the agency has two spots funded that are open, they can fill those two," said Harting.
However, regardless of what's happening in society, it is passion that drives these graduates.
"I want to set goals for other women who think that they cannot be in this job and show them that we can be up there with the guys too," said Tapulei Vaveao, Jefferson County deputy sheriff.
"I just want to help bridge the gap as much as I can. Let them know that we're partners in this together. I'm out there to help," said Edward Hlebica, Broome County deputy sheriff.
An example that to protect and serve should always come first.