The city's police department welcomed its newest recruits Thursday during a swearing in ceremony at the academy in Queens.

More than 470 men and women are now classified as probationary police officers.

Police officials say it's the fourth class in a row to have a large number of New York City residents.

Nearly 60 percent live in the five boroughs.

It's also the second largest class of women, who make up 23 percent the group, including a woman whose father died in the September 11th attacks.

"Growing up in the police department you really see the true heroes they have within the department, and it's just always been a dream to be one of the them," said NYPD probationary officer Britney Roy. 

"We have an expectation, that as you're out there doing your job, everyday you make connections to the people in this great city. That's the best part of this job. You're never gonna meet better people than the people you meet within in the NYPD, and you're never gonna meet better people than you meet on the street," said NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill.

The recruits will now begin classes and field training for some real world experience before graduation.