The NSW Police Force welcomed 204 new probationary constables at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn today (Friday 23 April 2021).
Family and friends were able to watch on as Class 346 attested in a full attestation ceremony that featured the Police Band, Pipe Band, Mounted Unit and VIP cycles.
Class 346 includes 149 men and 55 women who will 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 Mr David Elliott congratulated the newest recruits in Goulburn.
"Police officers perform a crucial role in protecting the community. As the probationary constables of Class 346 step into their law enforcement duties they can know that they have the full support of this government," Mr Elliott said.
"I commend their choice to pursue a career in policing, where they will serve the community and keep this state safe."
In 2019 the NSW Government announced the delivery of 1500 additional officers over four years, and the government has further committed to a $60 million upgrade to Goulburn Police Academy.
Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson APM welcomed the latest intake of probationary constables.
"Our newest probationary constables join the Force at a critical time, as we move beyond the trials of 2020," he said.
"As an organisation, we are constantly forced to face new and emerging challenges and I can assure our attesting police recruits that they are embarking on a satisfying and rewarding career.
"I welcome Class 346 and wish them well as they start at their new stations next Monday. They will be a valuable addition to our policing capabilities across the state."
Education and Training Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Barrie, acknowledged the dedication and achievement of the Class 346 recruits as they attest today.
"Our attesting recruits will now head to their stations to take on their role as probationary constables and serve communities across the state," Assistant Commissioner Barrie said.
"Today's ceremony follows eight months of commitment to becoming a police officer and today we celebrate their achievement.
"They have passed this very significant milestone and can now look forward to a challenging and fulfilling career with the NSW Police Force," he said.
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 346
A total of 204 recruits are being sworn in today.
The class comprises 149 men and 55 women.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from Monday 26 April 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, 182 were born in Australia and 22 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Iraq, Pakistan and India.
Six recruits are indigenous, with 1 recruit joining through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.
Class 346 comprises:
- 18-20 – 31
- 21-25 – 100
- 26-30 – 42
- 31-35 – 20
- 36-40 – 7
- Over 40 – 4
For interviews with recruits going to specific areas, please contact the relevant Police Area Command or Police District on Monday 26 April 2021.
