The Metropolitan Police Department will conduct a graduation ceremony Friday afternoon for 31 officers who have successfully completed their training at the Maurice T. Turner Jr., Institute of Police Science. The new officers include 24 recruits and 7 experienced officers from other law enforcement agencies hired under the MPDC's lateral-hire program.

Executive Assistant Chief of Police Michael Fitzgerald is scheduled to administer the oath of office to the members of Recruit Class 2005-4 and Lateral Classes 2005-2 and 2005-3. All of the new officers are being assigned to neighborhood patrols in various Police Service Areas throughout the city.

Members of the news media are invited to attend.