The NSW Police Force has announced a major new recruitment initiative, Be a Cop in Your Community, designed to attract more people from culturally diverse backgrounds into the state’s policing frontline.
The initiative will be piloted across South-West Sydney and marks the next step in the Government’s plan to boost police numbers while making sure the force continues to reflect the communities it serves.
Focused on areas including Auburn, Burwood, Cumberland and Liverpool, the program is about building a police force that looks like, understands and is connected to the people it protects, said NSW Police Corporate Services Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith.
He said the program was an opportunity for more people to get into policing, giving Probationary Constables the option to return and serve in their local communities after graduating from the Police Academy, strengthening local knowledge and community ties from day one.
“The South-West Metropolitan Region is the most culturally and linguistically diverse area in the state,” said Dep Comm Smith.
“Representation matters. And while we’re proud of our diverse police workforce, we’re committed to strengthening that even further.
“This initiative will enable recruits to serve in their own communities, strengthen local relationships and ensure the police force reflects the people it serves.”
The pilot will initially operate across four priority Police Area Commands being Auburn, Burwood, Cumberland and Liverpool, chosen for both their cultural diversity and strong demand for local policing.
“Be a Cop in Your Community is a new pilot program giving people in South-West Sydney a chance to start a career in policing or take on a new challenge,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
“This program will give people the chance to try something new, take on a challenge and keep their community safe.
“You can’t make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up.”
Be a Cop in Your Community builds on the success of the Be a Cop in Your Hometown program, which has already seen more than 120 officers return to serve in the communities they know best.
It forms part of a broader package of reforms driving real results in recruitment including paying recruits to train at the Academy and delivering a historic wage increase to modernise police pay and conditions.
The Government says the changes are already delivering, with applications to join the NSW Police Force up 70%, around 1,000 new officers joining in 2025, and a further 350 recruits expected to attest in the next class alone.
“It’s been a priority of mine since coming into this role to ensure the NSW Police Force reflects the community it serves and we’re backing that commitment with action,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley.
“We’re removing barriers and opening pathways into policing – from paying recruits during training, to supporting officers to serve in their own communities, alongside delivering fair, modern pay. These reforms are already helping get more police where they’re needed most.
“We want people from all walks of life to see policing as a career they can step into and succeed in. A more diverse police force strengthens trust and delivers better outcomes on the ground.
“Today’s announcement builds on that momentum. And with the Cadet Program in Sydney on the horizon, it’s a clear sign we’re continuing to invest in and strengthen our police force.”
