For Probationary Constable Weeks, it has been a long struggle to finally get into the career he always wanted.

He had to overcome an eye condition that had stopped him from joining. 

"It has been a lot of hard work over the last eight months, but it has paid off," Probationary Constable Weeks said. "I always wanted to be a police officer."

He is to be posted to Wollongong for the next three years and starts there this week.

"It was physically and mentally very tough to get through, but the support of the Academy is unreal, all the way through from principal Rod Smith down. I also had 200 other people in the same position as me so that helped too.

"The first half of the training is academic, learning about legislation and about keeping yourself safe and your fellow officers and the community all safe."

Probationary Constable Weeks said he first applied to join the police force in 2016, but during his medical he discovered that the corner of his eye was not shaped the right way.

"I was told by doctors to consider another career," he said.

"Then I underwent a cross-linking operation and, through that and the ongoing help of Dr Greg Moloney, I was able to meet the vision criteria to get in.

"It was a huge hurdle to overcome, but finally I got the call up last July."

Mother Kim Weeks said it was a very special moment.  

"It is a very proud moment, especially because we know what struggles and sacrifices he has made to get in," she said.

Father Mick Weeks said he was very proud. 

"He has done it hard, but ever since he was a kid he has wanted to join the police," he said. 

Class 336 includes 141 policemen and 60 policewomen who will complete 12 months' on-the-job training and study of an Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM was joined by the Lieutenant Governor of NSW, The Honourable Thomas Bathurst AC QC, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Troy Grant MP,  NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Member for Goulburn Pru Goward to inspect the new recruits on the parade ground on Friday. 

In a speech, Commissioner Fuller said the new recruits were about to embark on a challenging, yet highly rewarding career path.

“Police play such an important role within our communities and these officers have worked hard – both physically and academically – to reach this milestone,” Commissioner Fuller said.

“When they walk off the parade ground today, these probationary constables will be tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the people of NSW and I am confident they will do so with integrity."