NSW Police has welcomed a record 349 new probationary constables into its ranks with the attestation of Class 368 at the Goulburn Police Academy today.
The record-breaking class is the largest to join the NSW Police Force in more than 13 years.
“It is my privilege today to welcome part of a new generation of officers who will shape the future of the NSW Police Force,” said NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon.
“Each recruit has already shown discipline, courage and commitment to becoming a police officer and I’m confident in their ability to serve the communities they have been placed in.
“I am proud to welcome the recruits to a career that will demand a lot of them but one that will make an impact.”
“You can’t make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up,” said NSW Premier, Chris Minns.
The new officers have officially completed their eight months of training through the Constable Education Program and will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training as probationary constables.
Class 368 will be deployed to Police Area Commands and Police Districts across NSW, including:
- Central Metropolitan Region – 89
- South West Metropolitan Region – 72
- North West Metropolitan Region – 66
- Northern Region – 62
- Southern Region – 31
- Western Region – 29
The class includes 90 women, 20 First Nations recruits, and officers born in 20 different countries – reflecting the communities they will now serve.
“Every one of these 349 officers represents more support for the frontline and more protection for communities right across the state – and each of them have chosen duty, service and the responsibility of keeping NSW safe,” said Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley.
Today’s attestation builds on the previous record-breaking Class 366, which saw 314 recruits sworn in last August – then the largest class in more than a decade.
It also comes as the first intake of cadets trainees prepare to start in our police stations next Monday under the NSW Police Force Cadet Traineeship Program.
The 12-month pilot program gives school leavers and young adults hands-on experience in policing, with cadet trainees rotating through general duties, detectives unit, crime prevention and Police Transport Command.
Cadet trainees will gain early exposure to policing culture, values and expectations, complete a Certificate III in Business and be supported to apply for further study and training at the Police Academy.
The first cadet trainee pilot program will operate in The Hills Police Area Command and Sutherland Shire Police Area Command.
