The NSW Police Force has welcomed 197 new probationary constables at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn today at a restricted ceremony, to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
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Social distancing and mass gathering directions have been applied to the attestation of Class 342, with no members of the public or media able to attend.
The 125 men and 72 women of Class 342 will undertake 12 months of 'on-the-job' training and will also complete the Associate Degree in Policing Practice with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and minister for police and emergency services, David Elliott, joined police commissioner Michael Fuller to welcome the new recruits to the force.
"Frontline police officers have played an unprecedented role in protecting the community, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe every day," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The NSW Government has committed to recruiting more police officers and supporting those officers in their role of protecting the community.
"Congratulations to the newly attested police officers who graduated today and will now embark on important and rewarding careers."
Commissioner Fuller said the latest intake of probationary constables will provide a fresh boost to police resources as the state faces the pandemic threat of COVID-19.
"Class 342 recruits attest in extraordinary times. They have already shown resilience and determination in making it to this stage, and these qualities will serve them well as they face the challenges that lay ahead," he said.
"COVID-19 restrictions do not allow me to welcome these new recruits with the full ceremony of a normal attestation, but that should not detract from the achievements of these officers who swear their oath of office today."
Education and training commander, assistant commissioner Peter Barrie congratulated the new recruits on reaching this significant milestone in their policing careers.
"Naturally, the recruits are disappointed that we cannot welcome family and friends to the Academy to share in this significant moment in their careers, but it hasn't dampened their spirits and they are keen to commence duties," he said.
"I wish them well as they head off to their new stations and start their law enforcement careers next week."
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 342
A total of 197 recruits are being sworn in today.
The class comprises 125 men and 72 women.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from August 17.
They will then complete 12 months of 'on-the-job' training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University. They officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operational standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.
Of the probationary constables attesting today, 170 were born in Australia and 27 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Hong Kong, Nepal, Wales and India.
Class 342 comprises of:
- 27 recruits aged 19-20
- 84 recruits aged 21-25
- 46 recruits aged 26-30
- 15 recruits aged 31-35
- 17 recruits aged 36-40
- 8 recruits aged over 40
More to come.
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