[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 63 (Tuesday, May 4, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4658-S4659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE AND RECRUIT CLASS 116

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, the past year has been a trying one for the 
United States Capitol Police. The deaths of Officer Jacob Chestnut and 
Detective John Gibson struck a chord with the American people and the 
Congress. We are keenly aware that we rely on the men and women of the 
U.S. Capitol Police to protect the Capitol Complex and all of those who 
work and visit here. In doing so, they ensure that the national 
legislative process proceeds unhindered and that citizens are safe and 
free to visit their Capitol, view the House and Senate in session, and 
meet with their elected representatives.
  Protecting the Capitol Complex requires well trained, highly-
motivated, and dedicated police officers. On April 27, the U.S. Capitol 
Police added such officers to its ranks when it graduated Recruit Class 
116. The twenty-four recruits in this class proudly became police 
officers after successfully completing five months of exhaustive 
training. These officers came from all walks of life and from a number 
of states around the nation. Many had prior military experience, others 
had previous experience in the law enforcement profession, while some 
just recently graduated from college. The

[[Page S4659]]

common bond among these officers is the desire to enter the law 
enforcement profession and honor the memory of Officer Chestnut and 
Detective Gibson.
  During the graduation ceremony, which was attended by the members of 
the U.S. Capitol Police Board, the Department's Command Staff, and 
family and friends of the recruit officers, Class President Robert 
Garisto gave a speech on behalf of the members of the Recruit Class 
116. I feel that this speech is indicative of the caliber of personnel 
who fill the ranks of the U.S. Capitol Police. I ask unanimous consent 
that Officer Garisto's speech be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       United States Capitol Police Class 116--Graduation Speech

       Good afternoon everyone. I would like to start by 
     expressing my gratitude to the Members of Class 116. I have 
     been fortunate to have spent the last five months getting to 
     know each and every one of you. Now that I do, the honor you 
     have bestowed on me by allowing me to represent you means so 
     much more and it is an experience I will cherish forever.
       Now, class, we are about to take a dramatic step forward. 
     The challenges which lie ahead of us are immense, many of the 
     problems we will confront as police officers are highly 
     complex. The skills and abilities we bring to our positions 
     in law enforcement must be continually honed to transcend 
     these obstacles.
       I am sure everyone here is aware of the events that have 
     taken place recently in the United States. The crisis of 
     crime and violence in our society is really a crisis of 
     values and conscience. It is a problem compounded by the 
     glamorization of violence, drugs, sex and greed in Hollywood 
     films and music lyrics. Our young people are being told that 
     it is okay to carry a 9MM and live the lifestyle of a drug 
     dealer, it is all right to ``sex you up.'' They are told they 
     have the right to the latest music CD or the coolest clothes. 
     They have the right to have these things even if they have to 
     take from someone else. They can have what they want at any 
     price regardless of the consequences. However, there are 
     consequences to a society that sensationalizes sin while it 
     trivializes morality and religious beliefs. The consequence 
     is the carnage we see on the streets of America almost every 
     day. Too many of our children have learned to solve problems 
     of conflict and anger with weapons for the simple reason that 
     they haven't experienced love, compassion and understanding 
     from those who should be the role models in their lives. 
     It's insane and it's hurting our Nation in the worst 
     possible way, because our young people are our greatest 
     national resource and asset. More importantly, they are 
     our future.
       We as parents, police officers, teachers and public 
     officials must take an active role in the rearing of 
     America's youth.
       This world we live upon is a tremendously huge place but, 
     technology is, and will continue to make, the global 
     experience more accessible to everyone. Young people must 
     understand the global context of our existence. The horizons 
     and life opportunities that exist for them throughout this 
     world. And, yes, there will continue to be racism and bias 
     fueled by ignorance and fear. Those who are different will 
     continue to be judged by the standard of what is considered 
     by the judge to be normal. However, it should never be 
     intellectualized as the sole excuse for failure. More 
     importantly, it must serve as the impetus which pushes us 
     forward toward higher achievement and success.
       A contemporary society cannot develop unless it places a 
     premium on education and human development. The complex 
     issues and problems we face today require agents with 
     thoughtful and progressive minds committed to bringing about 
     positive change.
       I believe that each of us of The Graduating Class of 116 
     are those agents of change.

  Thank you.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am proud of the men and women of the 
United States Capitol Police and I appreciate what they do, each day, 
in service to the Congress and the nation. I would like to congratulate 
Officer Garisto and the men and women of Recruit Class 116 on their 
accomplishments and I wish them continued success during their careers 
with the United States Capitol Police.

                          ____________________