William M. McSwain offered praise to Philadelphia police commanders.
In his first public address to law enforcement since being sworn in as U.S. Attorney, William M. McSwain last week told Philadelphia police commanders and this year’s class of recruits that he wants them to know exactly where he stands.
“I love what you do,” McSwain said. “I love what you stand for. When you put on your uniform, you are telling the world that you have dedicated your life to public service, dedicated your life to keeping our communities safe — and that you’re even willing to risk your own life to do it. I respect you, I admire you, and I thank you. Everybody in this room is a hero to me.”
In his April 26 address at the Police Academy, 2838 Woodhaven Road, McSwain told the officers he’s well aware that they are living and working under a microscope and that this might be the most difficult time in history to be a police officer.
“And not only are the police under scrutiny like never before,” he said, “but also the tools of that heightened scrutiny are ever present. Everything that you do and everything that you say can be posted on Facebook, tweeted, and made into a national news story in a matter of seconds. For those of you with family members who have previously served in law enforcement, this is one of those times where you can tell them at the Thanksgiving table that you do, in fact, have it much harder than they ever did.”
McSwain, nominated by President Donald Trump, encouraged officers not to become discouraged by this increased scrutiny but, instead, to embrace it.
“Because when the media and the citizens of our community actually get the opportunity to look more closely, they get to see hard-working police officers who are keeping our communities safe every single day.
“If you only remember one thing that I say today, I want you to remember this: thank you. Thank you for your partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in pursuing justice. Thank you for your leadership in the community and for keeping all of us safe. Thank you for the sacrifices that you and your loved ones make on a daily basis.” ••
