NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller will welcome 182 new probationary constables in the ranks of the Force in a private attestation ceremony in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions.
The students of Class 348 will be sworn in by Commissioner Fuller during the COVID-Safe ceremony today (Friday 13 August 2021)
Social distancing and mass gathering directions have been applied to the attestation ceremony, with no members of the public or the media able to attend.
The number of visiting police has also been restricted and their movements restricted in line with the relevant Public Health Orders.
Class 348 will commence duties from next Monday (16 August 2021), which will see them undertake a year of on-the-job training and complete the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the recruits who are starting their new careers in times of unprecedented challenges
"Congratulations to the men and women of class 348, who graduate today and will join the NSW Police Force when it most needs versatile, adaptable officers," Mr Elliott said.
"The career path you embark on today will test your courage, your resilience and your decision-making.
"You are joining a police family of more than 17,000; a modern, well-equipped force focused on driving down crime rates and protecting the community.
"The NSW Government will be there, too, to support you and ensure you have world-class training, and the technology and resources you need to best serve the people of NSW.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller welcomed the new probationary constables acknowledging they're commencing a challenging career at a challenging time.
"The pandemic is impacting many aspects of our lives but as police, we have taken an oath – a promise – to protect and serve the people of this state while exercising the highest level of integrity," Commissioner Fuller said.
"Despite the challenges ahead, our newest recruits can expect a rewarding career and will have the camaraderie and guidance of their new policing family every step of the way.
"I hope these officers are as proud to join the NSW Police Force as I am to swear them in. I'm looking forward to seeing them out on the beat."
Education and Training Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dean Smith, said the restrictions on the ceremony is disappointing for the recruits but it does not lessen the significance of the day.
"While the recruits were unable to share this milestone with their friends and families, it doesn't take anything away from their dedication and commitment over the past eight months to their training and study, which is something they should be very proud of," Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
"I commend the efforts of Class 348 and congratulate them on this achievement – their first official day as a police officer."
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 348
A total of 182 recruits are being sworn in today, with the class comprised of 121 men and 61 women.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from Monday 16 August 2021.
They will then complete 12 months' on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University. They officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.
Of the probationary constables attesting today, six recruits are indigenous, with two recruits joining through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.
Further, 159 were born in Australia and 23 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Canada, China, Columbia, Fiji, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
Languages in addition to English spoken by students in Class 348 include Assyrian, Arabic, Dari, Greek, Hindi, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Urdu.
The youngest recruits are aged 19, while the oldest are aged 49. Other age statistics for Class 348:
- 18-20 – 27
- 21-25 – 89
- 26-30 – 46
- 31-35 – 6
- 36-40 – 7
- Over 40 – 7
