***PLEASE NOTE: Today's Attestation Parade will be livestreamed via the following YouTube link: https://youtu.be/6jyBst4Jncg
The NSW Police Force will welcome 151 new probationary constables as the final class of 2022 – Class 356 – is attested at the Goulburn Police Academy today (Friday 9 December 2022).
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole will join NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM, to welcome the enthusiastic new recruits, who come from diverse backgrounds and professional experience.
Many recruits are from a non-English speaking background, while a number were born overseas in countries including Philippines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico and Sudan. Class 356 consists of recruits aged between 19 to 46 years.
"I am proud to welcome the 151 new recruits into the NSW Police Force, who have taken up the incredibly challenging but rewarding responsibility of serving and protecting the people of NSW," Minister Toole said.
"These probationary constables are among 1,046 recruits to NSW Police this year, helping strengthen the ranks of our modern and world-class Police Force.
"The NSW Government recognises the role of a police officer is like no other, which is why we're rolling out landmark reforms to help recruit, retain and take better care of every member of the Force throughout their career, whether they're probationary constables taking their oath today or those with decades of experience."
NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb, said she is looking forward to the future of policing in New South Wales encompassing a diverse and adaptable workforce.
"Each of the 151 new recruits here today will play a pivotal role in keeping our community safe and I commend the dedication and commitment all the recruits have shown to get to this point, which has set a benchmark for their careers within the NSW Police Force," Commissioner Webb said.
"Class 356 commenced their studies in May this year, with the students required to undertake a significant period of Session 1 via long-distance education due to Covid-19 restrictions. This was an additional challenge to the coursework, and they took on that challenge and delivered outstanding results.
"I am excited about the future of the NSW Police Force and what we can achieve for generations to come. To see our recruits come from a range of different communities and backgrounds and champion our organisation within their own communities, I am excited to see where their careers take them and what they can achieve.
"I am confident the 151 officers being sworn in today will bring the enthusiasm, drive and commitment that will take us forward.
"I wish each and every student all the best in their policing futures and I hope they find the experience of serving the community as rewarding as I do."
Four of the recruits will also receive awards for outstanding academic, physical, marksmanship and practical policing achievements.
In addition, Commissioner Webb will farewell four decorated officers who will end their careers as the new recruits are sworn in.
Those officers are Detective Superintendent Matthew Appleton APM (42 years of service), Detective Superintendent Peter McErlain APM (40 years of service), Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Rode-Sanders (30 years of service), and Chief Inspector Stephen Blair (33 years of service).
The retiring officers will march off the parade ground to the salute of Commissioner Webb during the Attestation Parade this morning.
Commissioner Webb thanked the four officers on almost 15 decades of highly valued dedication and contribution to the NSW Police Force and community.
"The four officers marching out today have devoted their lives and their careers to the NSW community and I am grateful for their dedication to the Force.
"They are exemplary role models for the recruits we are welcoming today and have demonstrated the very best of the Force throughout their varied policing careers.
"On behalf of those who've had the pleasure of working with these distinguished officers, I would like to pass on my sincere thanks and wish them all the very best in their retirement."
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 356
A total of 151 recruits are being sworn in today. The class comprises of 116 men and 35 women.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from Monday 12 December 2022.
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, 134 were born in Australia and 17 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Philippines, Pakistan, Scotland, Sudan, Mexico and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Five recruits are Indigenous, with all of them joining through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.
Class 356 comprises of ages:
- 18-20 – 25
- 21-25 – 71
- 26-30 – 31
- 31-35 – 15
- 36-40 – 5
- Over 40 – 4
For interviews with recruits going to specific areas, please contact the relevant Police Area Command or Police District on Monday 12 December 2022.
ATTESTATION – Police Area Command & Police District Allocations
CENTRAL METROPOLITAN REGION – 42
Eastern Beaches PAC – 7
Eastern Suburbs PAC – 4
Inner West PAC – 4
Kings Cross PAC – 3
Leichhardt PAC – 2
South Sydney PAC – 8
St George PAC – 4
Sutherland Shire PAC – 3
Surry Hills PAC – 2
Sydney City PAC – 5
NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGION – 25
Blacktown PAC – 2
Hawkesbury PAC – 3
Mt Druitt PAC – 2
Nepean PAC – 3
North Shore PAC – 1
Northern Beaches PAC – 6
Parramatta PAC – 2
Riverstone PAC – 2
Ryde PAC – 2
The Hills PAC – 2
SOUTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGION – 23
Auburn PAC – 2
Bankstown PAC – 2
Burwood PAC – 3
Camden PAC – 2
Campbelltown City PAC – 6
Campsie PAC – 2
Cumberland PAC – 3
Fairfield City PAC – 2
Liverpool City PAC – 2
NORTHERN REGION – 26
Brisbane Water PD – 1
Coffs/Clarence PD – 3
Hunter Valley PD – 1
Lake Macquarie PD – 1
Manning/Great Lakes PD – 4
Mid North Coast – 4
Newcastle City PD – 4
Port Stephens-Hunter PD – 2
Richmond PD – 2
Tweed/Byron PD – 4
SOUTHERN REGION – 23
Lake Illawarra PD – 3
Murray River PD – 4
Murrumbidgee PD – 3
Riverina PD – 3
South Coast PD – 2
The Hume PD – 5
Wollongong PD – 3
WESTERN REGION – 12
Barrier PD – 2
Central North PD – 2
Chifley PD – 2
New England PD – 3
Orana Mid-Western PD – 2
Oxley PD – 1
TOTAL ALLOCATIONS – 151
