We're used to seeing some of the biggest sporting matches played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), but there was a different event on Friday, December 4.
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Some 189 new probationary constables of Class 344 from the NSW Police Academy attested in the company of the 811 recruits this year who were unable to graduate with their families watching on due to COVID-19.
Also in attendance was the NSW police commissioner Michael Fuller, governor of NSW Margaret Beazley and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Commissioner Fuller said all the attestees should be proud of themselves given the challenging year it has been.
"I know from personal experience that my attestation was a very proud moment in my professional policing career," he said.
"I am pleased to honour this year's attesting recruits in this unprecedented and significant event.
"It has been a challenging year for the state and police have taken on an extraordinary role in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic threat, alongside the other critical issues we have faced this year.
"They have undertaken their studies during COVID restrictions, and this too has presented some distinctive challenges.
"I feel confident they've got what it takes to face any emerging issues ahead," he said.
NSW Police Academy principal superintendent Rod Smith said being at the SCG allowed for a couple of additions to the traditional ceremony.
"It was a beautiful day in Sydney and the parade went off without a hitch," supt Smith said.
"We were able to do a pre-parade demonstration with our air wing which included two helicopters, traffic operations group and our dog squad.
"During the parade, there was a tribute made to the NSW emergency services and Australian Defence Force for their efforts throughout 2020."
Recruits will now complete 12 months of 'on-the-job' training and will start duties at their respective police stations from Monday, December 7.
Four were appointed to the Hume Police District.
Quick stats
- 49 female officers and 140 male officers attested
- 23 recruits aged 18-20
- 93 recruits aged 21-25
- 64 recruits aged 26-40
- Nine recruits aged over 40
- 165 were born in Australia and 24 were born overseas
- Six recruits are indigenous
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Burney Wong
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
