As of Tuesday, the Chicago Police Department had 59 new officers.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy led a graduation ceremony Tuesday at Navy Pier, welcoming the recruits into the force.
The graduating class includes three active military personnel, 12 veterans and nine multi-generation officers.
Emanuel congratulated the group for committing to serve and protect the city.
The recent graduates have received more than 1,000 hours of instruction and training.
The graduates will become full-fledged police officers after completing a field training program and spending 13 months in the field.
The graduating class is the fifth group of recruits to complete the academy's program since Emanuel took office. Officials say more than 200 officers have begun patrolling Chicago's streets under his tenure.
Many of the new officers will be dispatched to walk foot patrol in high crime neighborhoods. They'll be phased into 20 targeted areas in the coming weeks.
59 Officers Graduate Police Academy
Copyright AP - Associated Press
