NEW YORK, NY December 26, 2006 —Today New York City's 37,000-member police force got more than 1,300 new members. They were sworn in at Madison Square Garden in front of family and friends. WNYC's Bob Hennelly was there and has this report.

REPORTER: Both Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly hailed this incoming class of NYPD rookies as one of the most diverse in the Department's history. One in five were born outside the United States representing natives of 61 countries.

But 15 percent of the recruits dropped out before graduating from the six month training program. Commissioner Kelly says part of that attrition was related to a recent rollback in police starting pay.

KELLY: I attribute it quite frankly to the 25,000 starting salary. This is the most expensive city in America and the 10th most expensive in the world and it is just unrealistic to try and attract people over an extended period.

REPORTER: Before the last contract starting pay was over 40,000 dollars a year. Of the incoming class of rookies close to 90 percent have some college with one in four being college graduates. There first big assignment helping secure New Year's Eve festivities in Time Square. For WNYC I am Bob Hennelly.