The Minns Labor Government will today welcome 349 new probationary constables into the NSW Police Force, with Class 368 attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy.
The record-breaking class is the largest to join the NSW Police Force in more than 13 years, highlighting the Government's commitment to rebuilding and boosting frontline resources across the state.
Today's ceremony recognises that our newest officers have officially completed their eight months of training through the Constable Education Program and will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training as probationary constables.
Class 368 will be deployed to Police Area Commands and Police Districts across NSW, including:
- Central Metropolitan Region - 89
- South West Metropolitan Region - 72
- North West Metropolitan Region - 66
- Northern Region - 62
- Southern Region - 31
- Western Region - 29
The class includes 90 women, 20 First Nations recruits, and officers born in 20 different countries - reflecting the communities they will now serve.
This attestation builds on the previous record-breaking Class 366, which saw 314 recruits sworn in last August - then the largest class in more than a decade.
The milestone is further evidence that the Minns Labor Government's police recruitment reforms are gaining momentum, including paid study for recruits, a once-in-a-generation pay rise, the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program and the Professional Mobility Program.
It also comes as the first intake of cadets trainees prepare to start in our police stations next Monday under the NSW Police Force Cadet Traineeship Program.
The 12-month pilot program gives school leavers and young adults hands-on experience in policing, with cadet trainees rotating through general duties, detectives unit, crime prevention and Police Transport Command.
Cadet trainees will gain early exposure to policing culture, values and expectations, complete a Certificate III in Business and be supported to apply for further study and training at the Police Academy.
The first cadet trainee pilot program will operate in The Hills Police Area Command and Sutherland Shire Police Area Command.
The Minns Labor Government's work to rebuild the NSW Police Force includes:
- Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
- Paying recruits to train at the Goulburn Police Academy
- Establishing the 'Be a Cop In Your Hometown' program
- Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to attract experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand
- Establishing the Cadet Traineeship Program to create a new early pathway into policing
- Establishing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers across their careers
NSW Premier, Chris Minns said:
"Today, 349 new probationary constables join the NSW Police Force - the largest class in more than a decade.
"For every community, this means a stronger police force, fit for the job today and into the future.
"You can't make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up."
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
"To every officer attesting today, and every family standing behind them: thank you. NSW backs you, NSW is grateful, and we wish you a long, safe and rewarding career.
"Every one of these 349 officers represents more support for the frontline and more protection for communities right across the state - and each of them have chosen duty, service and the responsibility of keeping NSW safe.
"The Minns Government is proud to be rebuilding the NSW Police Force. For too long, the former government failed to invest properly in our police. They capped wages, let recruitment slide and left the Force under pressure - and we know thousands of experienced officers left because it.
"There is more to do, but the momentum is real - the last class broke a 13-year record, and this class has broken it again."
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:
"It is my privilege today to welcome part of a new generation of officers who will shape the future of the NSW Police Force," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"Each recruit has already shown discipline, courage and commitment to becoming a police officer and I'm confident in their ability to serve the communities they have been placed in.
"I am proud to welcome the recruits to a career that will demand a lot of them but one that will make an impact."
