The PANSW congratulates the 193 new Probationary Constables who were sworn-in this morning to join the ranks of the NSW Police Force at the NSW Police Force Academy in Goulburn. The students were part of history as NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb APM led her first ceremony as chief.
The new recruits faced unique challenges during their training and education. With the campus in lockdown when they arrived in October due to Covid-restrictions, the students were unable to return home throughout the 16 weeks.
"It takes a special person to sign up for a career in policing, which is why I am so pleased to personally welcome and congratulate every recruit today,” Ma'am Webb said.
Imparting her own advice to the new recruits, the CoP said that the coming year would test their character but ultimately allow them the oppourtunity to shine through the new challenges they would face. She reminded the class of the importance of reaching out for assistance and to use existing support services where they needed during their careers.
“It’s not a weakness to ask for help when you need it. It takes true courage and strength to speak up.”
With many of the new recruits hitting the ground running in flood impacted areas on Monday, Deputy Premier and new Police Minister The Hon. Paul Toole MP reflected on the extraordinary and everyday role that police take on when making their oath of office.
“Police officers on the frontline serve and protect our communities right across the state every day."
“We don’t often see a major event or emergency without also seeing the men and women in blue on the ground doing what they can, whether it’s responding to a natural disaster like the current flooding crisis, a car accident or a public protest."
MEET THE RECRUITS
- The class comprises of 133 men and 60 women.
- 179 were born in Australia and 14 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include China, Philippines, United Kingdom, Greece, Russia, Portugal, Burma, Serbia, Malta, Germany and Kuwait.
- Nine recruits are indigenous, with four recruits joining through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.