The first fully paid class of police recruits will be sworn into the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) today and will start duties at their new home stations next week.
Today's Attestation is also an opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution of serving police officers to NSW.
Inspector Amy Scott will be awarded the Commissioner's Award for Valour for her exceptional bravery shown during the tragic Bondi Junction attack in April this year.
169 new Probationary Constables will be welcomed into the NSW Police Force this morning following 8 months of training - 4 months in-person at the Goulburn Police Academy and four months online study.
Class 362 will now undertake 12 months on-the-job-training as Probationary Constables.
Communities across NSW will see new boots on the ground on Monday:
- Central Metropolitan Region: 43
- Northwest Metropolitan Region: 34
- Southwest Metropolitan Region: 35
- Northern Region: 22
- Southern Region: 19
- Western Region: 17
Last year, the NSW Government made the historic announcement that recruits will be paid up to $30,894 to study at the Goulburn Police Academy, a major measure designed to boost police recruitment, address the critical shortage of police officers and attract a more diverse range of recruits to the NSWPF.
In further evidence paid study is proving to be an outstanding success, the NSW Police Force has received more than 1573 applications to train as a police officer since the announcement on October 31, last year, a 44% increase compared to the same period last year.
This is complemented by other programs specifically aimed at attracting both regional recruits and experienced officers:
- You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown ensures people from regional NSW who may not wish to move to the city and train as police then serve in, or near, their hometown after training at the Goulburn Police Academy.
- The Professional Mobility Program incentivises officers from other Australian states and territories and New Zealand to join the NSWPF while keeping their equivalent rank (up to senior constable level 6).
The NSWPF is carrying more than 1500 vacancies. These vacancies are placing significant strain and a punishing workload on serving officers. Action to tackle this is critical. These measures are vital elements of that response.
The responsible decisions made in this week's 2024-25 Budget mean we can invest in the essential services our community relies on, pay our workers fairly and keep our communities safe.
It's part of our plan to build a better NSW.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"Inspector Scott has been rightly labelled a hero. She was calm, decisive, and as a result she saved many lives."
"She gives us all an example of what we ask of our police, many of whom are young, to walk into terrible situations as an ordinary part of their job.
"And if there was an emergency tomorrow, we'd ask them to do it all over again. Because the truth is, we don't have a choice.
"Congratulations to the 169 probationary officers graduating today. You have dedicated your lives to keeping the people of NSW safe. It is the very best definition of public service."
NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"Congratulations to all 169 Probationary Constables on the dedication and professionalism you have shown throughout your training.
"Today marks the start of an unwavering commitment to make a difference to the people of NSW. I wish you all a rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.
"This is a Government that backs our police 100%. I have made it my personal mission, alongside Commissioner Webb, to make the NSWPF the best place to work in NSW.
"We are paying recruits to study and have announced a suite of recruitment measures aimed at filling the 1500 plus vacancies we are carrying."
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:
"To wear the uniform and serve the people of NSW is a great honour. I know full well the sense of pride and satisfaction you are feeling today."
"Policing is a job like no other. It takes special people and enormous commitment. I welcome all our new recruits to the NSW police family and wish them the very best in what will be an extremely rewarding career."
