The Manchester Police Department swore in 14 new officers Monday morning.
It’s the city’s largest crop of new officers in recent years.
Ten men and four women were sworn in Monday.
(You can read the bios of the new officers here).
Police Chief David Mara says the new additions bring the department to 226 police officers total, still far below the 265 he says a city the size of Manchester needs.
One of the new officers is 22-year-old Matthew Mara, Chief Mara’s son.
The elder Mara placed the pin on his son during the ceremony.
“He’s going to have the opportunity to work with a great bunch of men and women that I’ve had the honor of working with. He’s wanted to do it since he was 4, and I’m excited for him.”
And Mara’s advice for the new officers:
“It’s not all about arresting people. Get out there, get to know the people in your community. See what you can do for them. That’s what it’s about.”
The city has experienced a surge in violent crimes.
There were 736 violent crimes reported in Manchester last year, compared to 593 in 2012.
The department attributes that in part to a rise in drug addiction.
