The Hunter, Newcastle and Port Stephens will soon have more probationary constables on the beat, following today’s attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy.
Nearly 200 new probationary constables were celebrated at the ceremony.
Three are heading to the Hunter Valley Police District, two to Lake Macquarie, one to Newcastle City, and three to Port Stephens Hunter.
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 Police Commissioner Michael Fuller said the latest intake of probationary constables would 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,” Commissioner Fuller 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,” Assistant Commissioner Barrie said.
“I wish them well as they head off to their new stations and start their law enforcement careers next week.”
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government had committed to recruiting more police officers and supporting them.
“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.
“Congratulations to the newly attested police officers who graduated today and will now embark on important and rewarding careers.”
