The NSW Government is making good on our commitment to rebuild our frontline services and address the ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers.
Following last month's historic announcement that student police officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy, NSW Police has received 143 applications to become a police officer. That puts applications on track to hit more than 200 by the end of the month.
NSW Police received 78 applications during the same period last year.
While this September, NSW Police received 94 applications and 106 in October.
Paying recruits to train is an important workforce incentive, designed to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force (NSWPF). Today's figures show it's already having a positive impact.
A recent research report for NSWPF on the recruitment campaign has revealed the following:
- Of those who said they're considering become a police officer, 38% said the cost of student fees was the number 1 barrier.
- 67% of people said they would be more likely to join NSWPF if they were paid to train at the academy.
From March 2024, student police officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy.
Student police officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed-term contract.
They'll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period, including super and award-based allowances.
To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a one-off payment.
NSW Police is carrying more than 1500 vacancies. To put that into perspective, that's 9% of authorised positions.
This has placed officers under significant strain and it's a priority of the Minns Labor government to address this.
Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said:
"This is a government that fundamentally cares about our police officers. They support their communities day and night and we in turn, must support them.
"I made a commitment to address workforce shortages and that's exactly what's being done. This important recruitment incentive has doubled the pool.
"I'm incredibly proud to have partnered with Commissioner Webb and the NSW Police Association to bring about this fantastic initiative that's already proving a game changer."
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:
"Early evidence suggests this initiative will be a tremendous success. Ensuring recruits won't be financially disadvantaged while studying gives more people the opportunity to join the best police force in the world.
"Policing is an incredible career, from forensics to detective work, Marine Area Command to Aviation Command, it can take you anywhere.
"We look forward to welcoming growing groups of new recruits who we can now pay to study to become NSW Police."
Police Association NSW President Kevin Morton said:
"We are incredibly proud to stand with the NSW Government and NSWPF to welcome these recruits into the police family.
"The paying of recruits has now opened the door for those wanting to pursue their dream of being a police officer in the best police force in the country.
"We've seen an increase in applications and now is the time. Now is the time to join and be a part of the blue family that protects your community."
