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ADDRESS AT COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES, 58TH
RECRUIT CLASS, MARYLAND STATE POLICE ACADEMY,

PIKESVILLE

May 26, 1967

Colonel Jarman, Mr. Lally, Attorney General Burch, Members of
the Graduating Class, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Congratulations are due to the 1967 graduates of the State Police
Academy for their achievements and performance during the past
months, and their individual dedication to the career of law enforce-
ment and public service which has brought them to this day. This
class is particularly fortunate to be entering the field of law enforce-
ment, their chosen vocation, at this time. Although a measure of pub-
lic apathy exists and occasional disrespect persists among some seg-
ments of the general public, the climate of public opinion toward the
law enforcement profession has definitely improved within the past
year. There has been a gradual awakening and an increased aware-
ness of the population to the shocking escalation of crime throughout
our nation. As a direct consequence, the public is prepared, at last,
not only to support law enforcement agencies, but to applaud the
State and Federal governments' efforts to finance public safety im-
provements. As one distinguished law enforcement official wryly noted:
"this year law enforcement is IN. "

The vital transition of public opinion has manifested itself in
various ways. The President's Safe Streets Bill of 1967 will provide
$50 million in Federal funds to subsidize state and local law enforce-
ment agencies' efforts to combat crime. While the sum does not cor-
respond to the proportion of the problem, averaging only $1 mil-
lion per state, this legislation must be lauded for its recognition of
Federal responsibility, its precedent in policy, and its demonstration
of intent to fulfill an obligation.

The State of Maryland, too, has taken dramatic action in recogni-
tion of the compelling challenges confronting our State and local law
enforcement agencies. Through the enactment of fiscal reform legis-
lation, the 1967 General Assembly has provided almost $15, 850, 000
in State funds to be directly distributed to county and municipal
governments to expand and improve police protection.

The increased interest on the part of the public has been clearly re-
flected by the energetic participation of private citizens, devoting their