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After Dallas, policing in the era of constant cameras
Los Angeles police recruits get ready for a graduation ceremony on Friday, July 8, 2016 outside the department's headquarters.
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At Friday's LAPD graduation, rookie officers were reminded that they will be doing a highly public job.
Richard Tefank, executive director of the L.A. Police Commission, told the newly minted officers of Class 116 that their actions will shape the way people view the police department.
"The eyes of the world are on you," he said. "Every camera, every cell phone, you have to imagine is taking your picture and recording your actions as you do it. You should not have to have a camera or cell phone to make you do the right thing."
Tefank also reminded graduates not to let the killing of five officers in Dallas define how they provide service.
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"It is important that you not forget that the way you treat people matters. The way you talk to people matters. And the actions that you take in dealing with people matters," Tefank said.
Later, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck echoed those sentiments when he told the graduating officers, "Treat everyone fairly. Recognize that you often will see people on the worst day of their lives... Have empathy. Try to look into people's hearts... Always, always give more than you take."
Beck, however, also acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement. In an era of frequent surveillance and increasing demands for systemic change, he said, "You join a profession today that is at a very difficult crossroads."
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