The NSW Police Force welcomes 197 new probationary constables who will join the record numbers of frontline police doing essential work to keep NSW safe.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM for a restricted ceremony at Goulburn to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, where Class 342 took their oath.
“Frontline police officers have played an unprecedented role in protecting the community, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe every day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government has committed to recruiting more police officers and supporting those officers in their role of protecting the community.
“Congratulations to the newly attested police officers who graduated today and will now embark on important and rewarding careers.”
Mr Elliott said the latest class of probationary constables should be celebrated for choosing to dedicate their careers to an honorable cause by committing to prevent and disrupt crime.
“Policing can be an incredibly challenging profession, with our officers often facing both the best and worst of humanity in the line of duty. These new officers have already shown great resilience and determination, with their training being adapted to the global pandemic,” Mr Elliott said.
“These officers will take their world class training to the frontline keeping the community safe, and enforcing the Government’s response to COVID-19, at a time when thousands of police have already been deployed to the NSW border operation and hotel quarantine operations”.
Commissioner Fuller said the latest intake of probationary constables will provide a valuable and timely boost to police resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our newest probationary constables from Class 342 leave the Academy during unprecedented times, they will face challenges in their first few months that I won’t have experienced when I joined," he said.
Class 342 comprises of 125 men and 72 women. Of the probationary constables attesting today, 170 were born in Australia and 27 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Hong Kong, Nepal, Wales and India.
The new officers will commence duties in their various commands on Monday 17 August 2020. The NSW Government has committed $583 million over four years to deliver 1500 new police officers – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years.