A recruitment campaign designed to attract new police recruits to regional areas has arrived in Dubbo.
The NSW Police Force You Should Be a Cop In Your Hometown initiative aims to identify and recruit future police officers to regional areas, specifically targeting applicants to become an officer and return to their hometown.
Orana Mid Western Police District is among eight priority areas in the Western Region, with placements dependent on operational needs.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said regional police are the backbone of country communities and the NSW Government is making it easier than ever to wear the badge in the towns people live and breathe.
"There has never been a better time to join the NSW Police Force, especially for people in the regions like Dubbo who want to build a career with purpose, while staying connected to the communities they know like the back of their hand," she said.
"For too long, recruits signed up not knowing where they'd end up after graduating from the Academy. Now, they can do so knowing there's a pathway home waiting for them at the end of it. And they'll be paid to do it.
"We want people who care about their communities, who want a career that means something and who'd rather be out helping people than stuck behind a desk all day.
"These roadshows are about showing people that policing isn't just a job. It's a chance to give back to the town that made you, protect the people you grew up with and build a career you can be proud of."
Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree APM, People and Capability Command, said the goal is to be able to provide greater certainty for recruits, giving them confidence they can join the NSW Police Force and work in their hometowns.
"We know that becoming a police officer and moving away from home can be a big ask, especially if you have family and enjoy where you live. This new initiative will give those who apply to be a police officer a higher level of confidence on where they'll work," Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
"As well as being paid to train and starting your career with NSW Police, when you join, you can identify where you would like to work and if an applicant is from a regional area not listed, we will still look at positions available in the area."
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, Western Region Commander, said the initiative is a win for country policing.
"If you live in a regional area, we're making it easier for you to join the NSW Police Force while staying connected with your family, lifestyle and community," Assistant Commissioner Holland said.
"We know community connectedness is so critical, particularly in country policing, and we want to see more hometown police officers getting out and serving the towns they know best."
The recruitment campaign is in Dubbo today (Thursday 14 May 2026), before visiting Parkes PCYC tomorrow (Friday 15 May 2026) and Cowra PCYC on Saturday 16 May 2026. Earlier in the week, the campaign visited Armidale on Tuesday 12 May 2026 and Tamworth yesterday (Wednesday 13 May 2026).
For more details on You Should Be a Cop In Your Hometown visit: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment.
