A new police commissioner was sworn into office Thursday in Springfield, Massachusetts.
John Barbieri became police commissioner over the weekend, and a formal swearing-in took place Thursday in front of community leaders, top federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, and family members. Barbieri acknowledged it was a tough first week on the job as the city experienced two murders and multiple shootings.
"Without the residents input, and there are many who are afraid or apathetic as to what is going on in their own neighborhoods. They need to step forward and face crime with the same amount of courage the police officers do."
Barbieri has pledged to expand an innovative anti-gang initiative he directed as a deputy police chief, that has dramatically reduced violent crime in a small part of one city neighborhood.
