The NSW Police Force welcomes 189 new probationary constables of Class 344 to its ranks at a special 'Classes of 2020' Attestation Parade at Sydney Cricket Ground today. The unique event will celebrate the achievements of the 1000 recruits who attested as police officers during the course of 2020.
Attesting Class 344 will be joined on the parade ground by more than 800 Probationary Constables from Classes 340, 341, 342 and 343. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, these classes attested at the NSW Police Academy at Goulburn this year at restricted ceremonies without family and friends.
NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM will be joined by Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to inspect the Classes of 2020 recruits on the parade ground.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Police Force, alongside our other emergency services, has played a pivotal role in protecting our State.
"Every member of the NSW Police Force deserves our State's greatest thanks after a year that saw Police play an unprecedented role in keeping our community safe," Ms Berejiklian said.
"On behalf of the State, congratulations to our newest recruits and thank you to our police officers and emergency service workers for their incredible effort over 2020."
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcomed the new recruits and said the NSW Government is committed to supporting them throughout their careers.
"Our Police cadets have faced exceptional challenges this year, but they have shown they can overcome difficult circumstances to complete their training, and they will now use the same resilience to push them forward in their new careers," Mr Elliott said.
"Police put their lives on the line every day to protect our community and I thank and congratulate each and every one of these officers for choosing to join the Force, I wish them all a long and successful career."
Commissioner Fuller said that COVID-19 restrictions prevented the 2020 attesting classes from experiencing a full attestation parade like all other police recruits that passed before them.
"I know from personal experience that my attestation was a very proud moment in my professional policing career. I am pleased to honour this year's attesting recruits in this unprecedented and significant event," the Commissioner said.
"It has been a challenging year for the state of NSW and police have taken on an extraordinary role in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic threat, alongside the other critical issues we have faced this year.
"The 2020 recruits have undertaken their studies during COVID restrictions, and this too has presented some distinctive challenges. I feel confident they've got what it takes to face any emerging issues ahead," he said.
Education and Training Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Barrie congratulated Class 344 for reaching this significant milestone in their policing careers.
"The 189 attesting police in Class 344 includes 49 female officers and 140 male officers. They will now complete 12 months on-the-job training and study of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable." Assistant Commissioner Barrie said.
"I wish them well as they step up to serve the community, facing the challenges that 2021 will present."
A high-risk capability display by the NSW Police Force Tactical Operations Unit and Dog Squad will be featured before the parade, as well as an audio-visual tribute to all emergency services workers for their efforts during 2020.
The NSW Police Force Mounted Unit and VIP motorcyclists will join the students and probationary constables on the parade ground. A strong musical contingent will be made up of the NSW Police Force Pipe Band, Australian Defence Force Band and the NSW Police Band, which will lead the parade.
Today's special Classes of 2020 Attestation will allow family and friends to attend and view this momentous parade, while complying with current Public Health Orders.
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASSES OF 2020
Class 344
A total of 189 recruits of Class 344 are being sworn in today.
The 189 attesting recruits of Class 344 consist of 49 female officers and 140 male officers.
Class 344 students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from next Monday.
They will then complete 12 months of '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 operational standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.
Of the probationary constables attesting today, 165 were born in Australia and 24 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Sweden, Sudan, Philippines, North Korea and India.
Six recruits are indigenous, with one recruit joining through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.
Class 344 comprises:
- 23 recruits aged 18-20
- 93 recruits aged 21-25
- 39 recruits aged 26-30
- 20 recruits aged 31-35
- 5 recruits aged 36-40
- 9 recruits aged over 40.
For interview requests with recruits going to specific areas, please contact metropolitan police area commands or the relevant regional media officer recruits. Recruits will start duties at their respective police stations from next Monday (7 December 2020).
Classes of 2020 – Classes 340, 341, 342, 343 and 344
A total of 1000 recruits were sworn in during 2020.
The 'Classes of 2020' recruits comprise 689 male officers and 311 female officers.
Of the 1000 recruits who attested in 2020, 5% speak a second language and 12% were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Lebanon, Cook Islands, Sudan and Turkey.
Thirty-two of the probationary constables who attested in 2020 are Indigenous, with 13 of those recruits coming through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.
