A new class of police officers graduated from the academy in Boston Wednesday, entering the force after a recent spike in violence, which includes shootings that targeted young people.
Many of the new officers are headed to areas hit hard by crime, and they say they're planning on making community policing a part of their job.
"You're gonna be a leader in your community. Young people are going to be looking up to you as role models. Older people are going to be looking to you for protection," Mayor Marty Walsh said at the podium.
The reality is these officers will face dangerous working environments, with some heading into crime-filled areas of Dorchester and Mattapan. Newly sworn officer Molly Rattigan says it doesn't bother her, and that she's ready to make an impact in the community.
"That one kid who maybe headed down the wrong path, may be able to change their perspective for the better and maybe help them turn to the right direction," Rattigan said.
While homicides have gone down in the city, Boston streets are being plagued with shootings. In May, 22 people were treated with gunshot wounds at Boston Medical Center, compared to only 12 being treated in May 2014. Commissioner William Evans says a huge amount of guns are in the hands of the youth.
"It's frustrating. It keeps me awake at night. I wish we didn't have shootings, but we try our best," he said.
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This year, so far 10 out of 11 people killed in Boston were shot. Just Tuesday night, a peace rally in Dorchester was quieted as guns shots rang out blocks away. Even under these facts, Commissioner Evans wants the new officers to work towards making this the most peaceful summer Boston has seen.
"If we can create those ties within the community, hopefully, in the previous case that just happened with the 16-year-old boy that was shot. Their mothers turned them in. I'm hoping that the ties with community, we can take more of the guns off the street," Evans said.
Just last night, three guns were taken off the street. Commissioner Evans says the community needs to begin helping officers take more out of the hands of the youth.
