The NSW Police Force has today officially launched a recruitment drive in Southern NSW aimed at recruiting police officers to regional areas.
The drive is part of a recruitment roadshow which will travel from Wagga Wagga to Griffith, Albury, Queanbeyan and Nowra promoting the "You Should be a Cop in your hometown" initiative which is designed to attract police recruits back to their hometown.
There are 12 regional areas specifically targeted as part of the campaign, including Wagga Wagga, Albury, Nowra, Griffith, Bathurst, Coffs Clarence, Dubbo, the Hunter Valley, the Mid North Coast, Moree, Richmond, and Tamworth.
The initiative places recruits into regional areas of their choosing based on operational needs, giving new recruits the confidence that when they join the NSW Police Force, they may be able to work and live in their hometowns.
NSW Police Minister and Counter-Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley highlighted the essential role of police officers in regional communities.
"Police officers in our regional areas are the backbone of the community – they're the ones who step up when it matters most, keeping people safe, offering support, and being a constant presence the community can count on."
"The recruitment roadshow is spreading the message that people of all ages, backgrounds, and career goals are encouraged to join the NSW Police Force, with the promise that once you've completed your training, you can return home to work."
"We've secured a historic wage increase for our officers, are paying recruits to study, and are ensuring people from regional NSW can serve close to home – all proof that there has never been a better time to join the NSW Police Force."
Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services, Dean Smith APM, said the program has been hugely popular and with good reason.
"We know that becoming a police officer and moving away from home can be a big ask, especially if you have family and enjoy where you live. This initiative is designed to build a community of country cops from regional towns.
"This is about boosting our workforce in the regions with locals, making it easier for our police to join the force without the fear they'll be posted hours away from home."
"It's a game changer to be paid to train at the Police Academy in Goulburn and at the same time nominate the region you call home so we can do our very best to find the closest possible position in that area."
"This will also provide opportunities for people looking to change their careers paths and have greater certainty."
The recruitment campaign is in Wagga Wagga today (Wednesday 26 February 2025), before visiting Griffith tomorrow (Thursday 27 February 2025), Albury on Friday (28 February 2025), Queanbeyan on Sunday 1 March 2025 and in Nowra on Sunday 2 March 2025.
The "You Should Be a Cop Youth Program" was also launched today at the Wagga Wagga PCYC. The initiative is a work experience program, designed to encourage school leavers to join the police force. It's also hoped the program will educate young people and reduce barriers which may commonly delay their entry into the force.
Following pilot programs at Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, Oxley Police District and south west Sydney, the initiative will be expanded state wide this year.
Each 'class' will include approximately 20 students, with participants from Years 10 to 12 identified by their school careers advisor.
As part of the initiative, students will gain a better understanding of policing by participating in a four-day program, which will see them experience a variety of specialist commands, as well as potentially visit the Police Academy at Goulburn.
Deputy Commissioner Smith said the pilot program is designed to encourage young people who may not have considered a career in policing.
"This program will provide a behind the scenes look at the range of opportunities the NSW Police can provide, from general duty policing through to specialist commands such as the Police Rescue and Bomb Unit team and the Tactical Operations Unit," Deputy Commissioner Smith said.
The Regional Roadshow will stop at a number of locations across the Southern Region;
Wednesday 26 February 2025
PCYC Wagga Wagga
11 Fitzhardinge Street, Wagga Wagga
9am-3pm
Thursday 27 February 2025
Griffin Plaza
2 Yambil Street, Griffith
2.30pm-6pm
Friday 28 February 2025
Albury Entertainment Centre
525 Swift Street, Albury
10am-3pm
Saturday 1 March 2025
Queanbeyan Police Station
8 Farrer Place, Queanbeyan
10am-3pm
Sunday 2 March 2025
Nowra Centre Plaza
32-60 East Street, Nowra
10am-3pm
For more details on You Should Be a Cop In Your Hometown visit: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/recruitment/careers_and_salary/be_a_cop_in_your_home_town
