NEWARK -- Urged to set an example for cities across the country and imbued with a sense of justice, Newark top brass welcomed 64 new police officers to its ranks Monday.

"It is a very difficult time to be a police officer in America today, particularly in these cities," Mayor Ras Baraka told the officers at the St. James A.M.E Church.

"I know that you are more than prepared to get on these streets and do what's necessary to make sure that you defend those who can't defend themselves, that you bring justice to this community. Every block that you walk on and every step that you take...you represent the good and the best of us."

The new officers will grow Newark's police force to 1,035 and help replenish the department after sweeping layoffs in 2010 cut more than 160 officers. The totals are still down from the about 1,337 officers who were employed by the department prior to the layoffs. At its peak the department numbered 1,700.

"You have chosen the best career in the world because you can change lives every day," Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose told the new officers, who sat neatly in the church pews. "There is an old saying that your first impression is also your last impression, so make sure you leave a positive impression with the people you come into contact with."

"We definitely have progress and you sure will add to the progress of 2017," Ambrose added.

He said the city saw a 13 percent reduction in overall crime last year compared to the year prior and a 10 percent decrease in violence over the same time period.

New officer Mapletine Braswell, 29, of Newark, said the experience felt "surreal." She graduated from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy after trying for the second time.

"I was fortunate to have a second chance," said Braswell, who was cheered on by her young son. "(My son) saw me from the beginning to this point and I'm happy to show him the resilience paid off."

Traval Henry Junior, 14, yelled "That's my mom!" as his mother, Braswell, received a leadership award from the union. "To see her make it felt good, to see my mother finally become a cop," he said after he gave her a bouquet of flowers. "She didn't quit."

New officer Corey Alexander, 27, of Orange, said he was looking forward "to (being) out in the streets with the people because that's what policing is about."

"Hopefully, I can be a part of the change that the city is looking to make," he added.

Officers spent 26 weeks training at the police academy and five weeks training with Newark Police. The new hires will spend the first six months in the community-focused division, walking all the wards.

During the ceremony, Baraka spoke passionately to the new recruits, telling them to "take God with you."

"You take him with you and you hold him close to your chest. Hold him close to you and make sure that you get home to your family safe and make sure you bring justice to our community," he said.

Ambrose, too, had a piece of advice.

"There's one other thing you must bring with you: thermal underwear," he said as the audience laughed. "You will be walking all five wards of the city."

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.