BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Several high-profile cases of Birmingham police officers in trouble in recent months prompted Mayor William Bell today to personally address the city's new police recruits on their first day of class.

Two Birmingham police officers were arrested in connection with a spate of arson that struck west Birmingham in May. Also in May, a police sergeant was charged in connection with a child pornography investigation.

"We want to remind our recruits that this is an honorable profession," Bell said today. "They have to not only have the physical attributes it takes to be a police officer, but also the character. It's the character that will help them make the right decisions."

Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper also addressed the recruits this morning. The chief said his brief statements today were to set the stage for success and, on Thursday, the chief himself will teach the ethics course, something he has always insisted on doing.

"I think it's important for the new recruits to hear the expectations and standards of conduct from the chief himself," Roper said. "That way there will be no surprises if they end up before me."

There are 32 recruits in the department's newest class. They are set to graduate in November. Bell told them the academy won't be an easy road, but that it would be worth it when they stand before police administrators and their families to receive their badges.

"I promise you," he said, "it will be the best day of your life."

Bell said he would pray each day that, "you will have the confidence, ability, skills and courage to protect our society."