NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, AO, APM, will today welcome 130 new probationary constables into the NSW Police Force, NSW Police say.
The students of ‘Class 329’ of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice will attest at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn today.
The Commissioner will be joined by the Governor of NSW, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), to inspect the new recruits on the parade ground.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable and report to their new stations for work on Monday (12 December 2016).
They will then complete 12 months on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University before they officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.
Commissioner Scipione said the new recruits have an exciting and highly diversified journey ahead of them.
"Policing is a unique career path that will offer these new probationary constables various rewarding opportunities each day they serve the community," Commissioner Scipione said.
"Their new role will certainly challenge them; however, the fact that each of them is attesting today shows they have the resilience and determination required to succeed as part of the NSW Police Force.
"As they report to their respective stations next week, they’ll each take on the task of ensuring the safety and security of the people of NSW," Commissioner Scipione said.
"I’m confident that they will uphold the Force’s statement of values in performing those duties and in doing so will represent the organisation proudly.
"I commend every student today and wish them all the best in their policing futures. I hope they find the experience of serving the community as rewarding as I do," Commissioner Scipione said.
The new officers will also start their careers inspired by a number of colleagues who will today receive the Commissioner’s Valour Award for conspicuous merit and exceptional bravery in the line of duty.
Award recipients include: Sergeant Luke Warburton, Senior Constable Timothy Duffy, Senior Constable David Dykes, and Constable Karen Lowden.
Both Sgt Warburton and Snr Cst Duffy showed exceptional bravery in their actions responding to an armed offender at Penrith in January this year.
The officers attended Nepean Hospital where Sgt Warburton attempted to disarm a man. During a struggle however the man managed to obtain his service pistol firing two shots that seriously injured Sgt Warburton and a hospital guard.
Moments later Snr Cst Duffy took hold of the pistol and disarmed the man before he was arrested. Both officers displayed outstanding courage and dedication to duty in their response to the incident.
In a separate incident, Snr Cst Dykes responded to a house fire at Claymore in March 2013 where a child was still believed to be inside the home.
With little regard for his own safety, he entered the property multiple times to search for occupants, and it was only after having suffered severe smoke inhalation that he retreated outside to safety.
Finally, Cst Lowden, showed incredible bravery in her response to a Mosman incident in August 2011 where a young woman had an explosive device attached to her neck during an attempted extortion.
Cst Lowden, at great risk to her personal safety, remained with the woman to keep her calm and offer support for a number of hours until she was relieved by specialist police.
Commissioner Scipione said the Valour Award is the highest commendation he can bestow on officers for acts of bravery.
"Today’s Valour Awards recognise the incredible courage and selflessness displayed by each officer when faced with extraordinary circumstances," Commissioner Scipione said.
"Each officer has shown incredible courage and they’ve ignored their own wellbeing to help protect members of the community.
"In each instance, they’ve shown exceptional bravery, and put their lives on the line in doing so," Commissioner Scipione said.
"Their selfless actions represent the very highest standard of the NSW Police and it’s an honour to acknowledge each of them, and their outstanding service, before their families and colleagues today."
In addition, Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins, AFSM, will be awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for his meritorious contribution to the NSW Police Force.
Commissioner Mullins has worked tirelessly to establish a partnership with the Force enabling both services to deliver an effective rescue response to the people of NSW. Under his leadership, Fire and Rescue NSW has provided support to the NSW Police at major incidents as well as cultural and internationally significant events.
"Commissioner Mullins has shown great leadership in the field of emergency management; advocating for police involvement in the world-first Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce," Commissioner Scipione said.
"The integrity, commitment and professionalism displayed by Commissioner Mullins is certainly worthy of recognition, and I’m proud to congratulate him on his achievements today."
Commissioner Scipione will also farewell four officers including Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke, APM, Detective Superintendent David Swilks, APM VA, Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Gross, and Senior Constable Gregory Martin.
Each officer will march off the parade ground to the salute of Commissioner Scipione during the Attestation Parade this morning.
Commissioner Scipione congratulated the officers on more than 15 decades of diverse and highly- valued contributions to the NSW Police Force.
"It’s very humbling to acknowledge these officers; each of whom has demonstrated the best of the Force throughout their unique and accomplished policing careers," Commissioner Scipione said.
"They’ve devoted themselves to a variety of rewarding endeavours and seen many changes in the organisation over the course of their careers.
"On behalf of those who have had the pleasure of working alongside these officers, I would like extend my sincere thanks, and wish them well in their retirement."
There will also be five officers graduating as General Purpose Dog Handlers including: Senior Constable Michael Humphreys with Police Dog Magnum, Senior Constable Christopher Hayward with Police Dog Marshall, Constable Adam Gersback with Police Dog Johnno, Senior Constable Ian Dunn with Police Dog Mustang, and Senior Constable Alexander Cook with Police Dog Maddox.
"Our Dog Unit is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is responsible for the handling and deployment of Police Dogs to support operational police 24 hours a day," Commissioner Scipione said.
"I congratulate the graduating handlers today for successfully completing their course that will now seem them join a highly specialised unit, performing a very important role in the organisation."
Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke, APM
40 years of distinguished service
Assistant Commissioner Clarke joined the NSW Police Force as a Cadet in January 1976, and was first stationed at Ryde. He has served for more than 40 years in a variety of areas, including Commander at Kuring-gai, Tuggerah Lakes, Brisbane Water and Lake Macquarie Local Area Commands.
Assistant Commissioner Clarke took command of the Major Events and Incident Group (MEIG) in 2008 and led the police response to some of the largest blue ribbon, and high-risk public order events. He was in command of the city when more than 1000 police marched down George Street in 2012 to mark 150 years of Policing in NSW; when the NSW Police Force responded to the Victorian Bushfires in 2009, the New Zealand earthquakes in 201, and the G20 security response in Queensland in 2014.
Assistant Commissioner Clarke led the introduction of Body Worn Video to frontline police, and reviewed major event security operations in the UK, Berlin and Zurich prior to developing security plans for Government bids the World Cup Soccer, and 2014 G20 Leaders Conference. He also forged great relationships with the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, and Events NSW that saw key agencies working side-by-side in the Police Operations Centre (POC) during major events.
Assistant Commissioner Clarke was passionate about NSW Police Boxing throughout his career and spearheaded the PCYC/Police Legacy charity boxing events from 2013 onward. He also served as the Patron of the NSW Police Rugby League from 2009.
Throughout his distinguished career, Assistant Commissioner Clarke was awarded the Australian Police Medal (APM); 2nd Clasp to the National Police Service Medal; and 4th Clasp to the NSW Police Medal.
Superintendent David Swilks, APM VA
44 years of distinguished service
Det Supt Swilks joined the NSW Police Force as a 16-year-old Cadet on 1 May 1972. He graduated dux of the course in 1974 being awarded three months seniority and sworn in as a Probationary Constable on 12 September 1974.
Throughout his career he has served in the NSW Police Rescue Squad, detective in the Newcastle, and a supervisor with the State Protection Support Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in September 1993 and three years later was again promoted to the rank of Senior Sergeant and Patrol Tactician. In December 1999 he became an Inspector, and was appointed as the Duty Officer at Waratah Local Area Command. In 2000 he relieved as the Hunter Valley Local Area Commander, and was successfully promoted to that position as Superintendent a year later.
Since then he has worked as a Staff Officer to the Northern Region Commander, then Local Area Commander at Waratah until appointed to his current position, as Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Commander in 2008.
Throughout his career Det Supt Swilks has received a number of awards including: the Commissioner’s Commendation for courage and devotion to duty; the Commissioner’s Valour Award and Australian Bravery decoration; Commendation for Brave Conduct; 1st and 2nd Clasps of the National Medal; the NSW Police Medal and later 6th Clasp; the NSW Premier Emergency Award; the Commissioner’s Unit citation regarding the grounding of the Pasha Bulker at Newcastle; the Australian Police Medal; and the National Police Service Medal.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Gross
36 years of distinguished service
Det Ch Insp Gross joined the NSW Police Force on the 14 January 1980 as a trainee at the Redfern Police Academy. In April 1980 he was attested as Probationary Constable and attached to No. 6 Division at Mosman Police.
In 1981, Det Ch Insp Gross’ love of motor bikes saw his transfer to the Cycle Patrol Unit of Traffic Branch. The diversification into this role would take him to North Sydney where he remained until November 1984 when he transferred to Dee Why as a detective. He was awarded his designation as Detective First Class in 1987.
In 1988 he transferred to Internal Affairs, this role took him to a number location including lecturing at the Police Academy between 1991 and 1993. He was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 1993 at the Macarthur Region Special Operations Group. In 2003 he was again promoted to Inspector and the position of Professional Standards Manager, South Region. In 2009 he transferred to Kuring Gai Local Area Command as a Duty Officer.
During his distinguished career Det Ch Insp Gross has been awarded the National Police Medal; 1st and 2nd Clasp of the National Medal; NSW Police Medal and later 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Clasps; and, the NSW Premier Emergency Award.
Senior Constable Gregory Martin
35 years of distinguished service
Snr Cst Martin joined the NSW Police Force as a trainee on 7 December 1981, after which he graduated as a Probationary Constable on 5 March 1982.
During his career Snr Cst Martin has performed a variety of duties including at Number 10 Division (Waverley), Mudgee General Duties and Traffic and Highway Patrol, Special Weapons Operations, Criminal Investigation, Rural Crime Investigation, Mendooran General Duties, Dubbo General Duties and Cobar Traffic and Highway Patrol.
During his distinguished career Snr Cst Martin has been awarded the National Medal; Deputy Commissioner’s Commendation; Centenary Medal; NSW Police Medal and later 2nd , 3rd and 4th Clasp; 1st Clasp of the National Medal; Commissioner’s Sesquicentenary Citation; National Police Service Medal;
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT ‘CLASS 329’
A total of 130 new recruits are being sworn in today.
The class comprises 99 policeman and 31 policewomen.
114 probationary constables studied as undergraduate students, while 12 probationary constables joined through the University of Western Sydney pathway, two officers studied through the Bachelor or Justice Studies (Policing) pathway, and another two officers studied via the Bachelor of Criminal Justice Studies pathway.
Of the probationary constables attesting today, 117 were born in Australia and 13 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Nepal, South Africa, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Wales and Israel.
There are also a number of students in ‘Class 329’ who speak a language other than English, including Arabic, Punjabi, Nepali and Cantonese.
Among those attesting today, six probationary constables identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background.
The two youngest recruits are aged 20 and the oldest is 54-years-old. Further age statistics include:
• 2 are 20
• 69 are aged 21-25
• 36 are aged 26-30
• 14 are aged 31-35
• Three are aged 36-40
• Six are aged 41+
For interviews with recruits going to specific areas, please contact the relevant Local Area Command on Monday 12 December 2016.
