Today, the Minns Labor Government and the NSW Police Force will announce a major new recruitment initiative, Be a Cop in Your Community, designed to attract more people from culturally diverse backgrounds into the NSW Police Force.
The initiative will be piloted across South-West Sydney and marks the next step in the Minns Labor Government's plan to boost police numbers while making sure the force continues to reflect the communities it serves.
Focused on areas including Auburn, Burwood, Cumberland and Liverpool, the program is about building a police force that looks like, understands and is connected to the people it protects.
The program is an opportunity for more people to get into policing, giving Probationary Constables the option to return and serve in their local communities after graduating from the Police Academy, strengthening local knowledge and community ties from day one.
The Minns Labor Government recognises that a diverse police force is critical to building trust, improving communication and delivering safer outcomes across all communities.
The pilot will initially operate across four priority Police Area Commands being Auburn, Burwood, Cumberland and Liverpool, chosen for both their cultural diversity and strong demand for local policing.
Be a Cop in Your Community builds on the success of the Be a Cop in Your Hometown program, which has already seen more than 120 officers return to serve in the communities they know best.
It forms part of a broader package of reforms driving real results in recruitment including paying recruits to train at the Academy and delivering a historic wage increase to modernise police pay and conditions.
These changes are already delivering, with applications to join the NSW Police Force up 70 per cent, around 1,000 new officers joining in 2025, and a further 350 recruits expected to attest in the next class alone.
The Government has previously announced, as part of the creation of a permanent rapid response unit, expanding the number of Multicultural Liaison Officers and Senior Multicultural Liaison Officers. These officers will ensure Police continue to reflect the diverse community which they serve.
The Government is also investing in the tools police need to do the job safely and effectively, including expanded drone capability and stronger laws to support frontline policing.
The rollout will be backed by a targeted marketing and community engagement campaign, encouraging people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to see policing as a career that is accessible, meaningful and within reach.
Together, these reforms are building a stronger, more capable police force and one that reflects the community it serves and is equipped to keep people safe.
Today's announcement is yet again another reminder that there has never been a better time to join the NSW Police Force.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"Be a Cop in Your Community is a new pilot program giving people in South-West Sydney a chance to start a career in policing or take on a new challenge.
"This program will give people the chance to try something new, take on a challenge and keep their community safe.
"You can't make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"This program is about creating real opportunities for people in Western Sydney to step into a secure, meaningful career.
"In our growing communities across Western Sydney, we know how important it is to have a dedicated, qualified local police force.
This program provides people the chance to build a career in policing and serve their own communities."
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"It's been a priority of mine since coming into this role to ensure the NSW Police Force reflects the community it serves and we're backing that commitment with action.
"We're removing barriers and opening pathways into policing - from paying recruits during training, to supporting officers to serve in their own communities, alongside delivering fair, modern pay. These reforms are already helping get more police where they're needed most.
"We want people from all walks of life to see policing as a career they can step into and succeed in. A more diverse police force strengthens trust and delivers better outcomes on the ground.
"Today's announcement builds on that momentum. And with the Cadet Program in Sydney on the horizon, it's a clear sign we're continuing to invest in and strengthen our police force."
Corporate Services Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith said:
"The South-West Metropolitan Region is the most culturally and linguistically diverse area in the state.
"Representation matters. And while we're proud of our diverse police workforce, we're committed to strengthening that even further.
"This initiative will enable recruits to serve in their own communities, strengthen local relationships and ensure the police force reflects the people it serves."
