One of the largest classes of police recruits in Paterson was sworn in Monday. The 29 recruits enter the academy at a time of turmoil for the police department after a state takeover in the aftermath of the fatal police shooting March 3 of violence intervention specialist Najee Seabrooks and a string of convictions against former officers within the department for misconduct and civil rights violations.

“I commend you for accepting the challenge to want to be a police officer in the current climate in our country. It’s not an easy profession but it’s an important one,” said Mayor Andre Sayegh, who has stood behind the police force even as community anger and distrust have grown.

“The past three months have been challenging, for everyone. If we ignore that, and slip it under the carpet, then we’re losers,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9th).