36 Rookie Officers Sworn In to Philadelphia Police Department

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Police Department today welcomed three dozen cadets to the ranks of officer.

The thirty men and six women raised their right hands, swearing to uphold the constitutional rights of those they protect and serve.

And with that, following eight months of grueling training, Class #368 of the Philadelphia Police Academy earned the power and authority that comes with rank of officer.

Police commissioner Charles Ramsey reminded the rookies about heightened public scrutiny in light of civil unrest in Ferguson, Mo.

"We can't enforce the law if we don't follow the law," he said.

Ramsey told the rookie cops their jobs won't be easy, because eyes are watching.

"All you have to do is look at some of the images you saw on television from Ferguson, Missouri, to understand the intense scrutiny, the intense coverage of every little thing police officers do. And you know what? In my opinion, it's a good thing we have that level of scrutiny."

The new officers will start out on foot patrol in three districts in North and Northwest Philadelphia. They also contributed more than $4,000 to the Police Survivors' Fund.