did new building was not completed. I am greatly pleased to see this
fine new facility, which the Maryland State Police is sharing with
the Civil Defense Agency.

On this day, you young men who have completed your training
are embarking on a police career with an organization that sub-
scribes to one of the great principles of our form of government. It
is an organization which strives at the same time to enforce the laws
of our State and nation and to protect the rights of the citizens.

Law enforcement is not always an easy task to perform, and there
will be times in your careers when the action you are required to
take will not be the action which you, personally, would like to take.
But as policemen, you are the protector of the right of the individ-
ual, whether he be a victim of a crime or an offender of the law.

It is a basic duty of the police, and all others engaged in the
enforcement and administration of our laws, to protect the innocent
as well as to develop the information necessary to convict the guilty.
We Americans cherish law and order, but we abhor the police state.
The police and the courts must uphold the dignity of government
and protect the freedom of our citizens. When you are engaged in
your official capacity as a member of the Maryland State Police, you
are an agent of the government of the State of Maryland.

The police are our first line of defense, not only against the crim-
inals of our own country, but also against any foreign elements that
may attempt to infiltrate into our society....

In my opinion, there is no such thing as too much law enforce-
ment of the right kind. This is where you young men fit into the
picture. Effective law enforcement is based pretty much on the same
principles and techniques you would use to win friends and influ-
ence people. A legitimate traffic arrest, accompanied by a courte-
ous explanation of the offense, goes a long way toward winning a
friend, gaining respect for the law and promoting safety on the
highway.

Public acceptance of regulations breaks down quickly when law
enforcement is based on any philosophy other than the honesty and
integrity of the law enforcement agency.

My Administration will continue to support to the fullest extent
programs aimed at curtailing the deaths, injuries and destruction
caused by highway accidents. The authorized strength of this police
department is being increased by 40 men this year. I intend to rec-

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