THE State Government welcomed 349 new probationary constables into the NSW Police Force, with Class 368 attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy last Friday.
The government highlighted in a press release that this record-breaking class is the largest to join the NSW Police Force in more than 13 years, showing the Government’s commitment to rebuilding and boosting frontline resources across the state.
“The ceremony recognised that our newest 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,” the release read.
A total of 9 new Probationary Constables have been allocated to Nepean Police Area Command, which serves the communities of the Penrith electorate and plays a vital role in maintaining public safety in the region.
Class 368 will be deployed to Police Area Commands and Police Districts across NSW.
“The class includes 90 women, 20 First Nations recruits, and officers born in 20 different countries – reflecting the communities they will now serve,” said Karen McKeown OAM, Member for Penrith.
“This 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.
“The milestone is further evidence that the Minns Labor Government’s police recruitment reforms are gaining momentum, including paid study for recruits, a once-in-a-generation pay rise, the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program and the Professional Mobility Program.
“It also comes as the first intake of cadets prepare to start work today 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 cadets rotating through general duties, Traffic and Highway Patrol, detectives and crime prevention.
“Cadets 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 pilot will operate in The Hills Police Area Command and Sutherland Shire Police Area Command.”
“The Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild the NSW Police Force includes:
• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
• Paying recruits to train at the Goulburn Police Academy
• Establishing the ‘Be a Cop In Your Hometown’ program
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to attract experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand
• Establishing the Cadet Traineeship Program to create a new early pathway into policing
• Establishing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers across their careers
“It was a pleasure to personally meet our new recruits and congratulate them. I know they’ll play an important role in making a real difference in our Penrith community.
“Every officer has a part to play in keeping our Penrith community safe. These recruits will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact through their hard work and commitment.”
