Students from across the Shoalhaven have swapped their school for the station, to get a behind the scenes look at policing, during an inaugural careers day on the South Coast.
More than fifteen year 10 to 12 students, from Vincentia, Nowra, Shoalhaven, Ulladulla and Bomaderry High Schools took part in the half-day workshop, at Nowra Police Station.
The program included a tour of the Nowra station, an introduction to the equipment officers use on a day-to-day basis and gave students the opportunity to attempt the physical components required to join the NSW Police Force. Detectives, Crime Prevention Unit, General duties officers and probationary constables who recently graduated from the NSW Police Force Academy, shared their experiences.
The program is aimed at giving students insight unto the daily operations of police and build relationships between police and the local community.
Chief Inspector David Cockram said the program was the first time it's been run but he's been overwhelmed by the response.
"This program is a unique opportunity for students to get a behind the scenes look at policing, speak with some of our recent recruits and maybe even consider a career as a NSW Police officer," Chief Inspector Cockram said.
"We have five schools involved in this first round, however we've already seen interest from a number of other schools across the South Coast Police District, so we are looking at opportunities to expand the program to get as many local kids through the doors,"
"The workshop also helps to build stronger connections between the police and our local community, and our young people are a vital part of our community, they are our next generation of leaders."
Nowra is one of 12 regional areas involved in the 'You Should be a Cop in Your Hometown', a recruitment campaign, specifically targeting applicants to become an officer in their home town.
More information about careers in policing can be found www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment
