The NSW Police Force will welcome 159 new probationary constables when Class 359 attests at the Goulburn Police Academy today (Friday 18 August 2023).
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, and Minister for the Hunter, the Honourable Yasmin Catley MP, will join NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM to welcome the new recruits, who will next week be deployed to police stations across the state, where they will complete their first year of on-the-job training.
Chief Inspector Paul Smith APM will also march off the parade ground during the formal ceremony, as he retires from the Force after 39 years of service.
Minister Catley welcomed the new probationary constables to the NSW Police Force and acknowledged the hard work and commitment of each officer.
“Today marks the start of a rich and rewarding career in policing,” Minister Catley said.
“On Monday, these probationary constables will start work at their new home stations. This is a momentous step and it’s one that will see them develop new skills, learn from experienced officers, and gain invaluable frontline experience.
“It is an absolute privilege to be here in Goulburn to welcome the 159 officers to the NSW Police Force. You have put in the work and are now part of the police family, united by your drive to make a difference to communities right across the state.”
NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM thanked the new probationary constables for the vital work they will be doing protecting to keep the NSW community safe.
“Every person who chooses a career in policing is making a commitment to the people of NSW. They are choosing a career in public service, putting the needs of the community first and keeping them safe,” Commissioner Webb said.
“The NSW Police Force is honoured to have these 159 recruits join our ranks, as leaders of the future who will learn from their colleagues and mentors.
“This is such a significant occasion for not only the officers, but their friends and family who have been on this journey with them.
“Congratulations to Class 359, I wish you all the best and hope you all have a long and fulfilling career with the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Webb said.
While many recruits are Australian-born, this year the graduating cohort is also made up of students from diverse backgrounds including Iraq, the Philippines, England, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa, South Korea, Pakistan, Wales, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia. Six recruits are First Nations, with one graduating from the IPROWD program.
Of the 159 recruits, 113 are men and 46 are women.
Eight recruits will also receive awards for outstanding academic, physical, marksmanship and practical policing achievements.
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 359
A total of 159 recruits are being sworn in today. The class comprises 113 men and 46 women.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from Monday 21 August 2023.
They will then complete 12 months’ on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University.
They officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards. The officers will then be confirmed to the rank of constable.
Of the probationary constables attesting today, 137 were born in Australia and 22 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Iraq, the Philippines, England, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa, South Korea, Pakistan, Wales, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia. Six recruits are First Nations.
Class 359 comprises of ages:
- 18-20 – 31
- 21-25 – 71
- 26-30 – 36
- 31-35 – 15
- 36-40 – 3
- Over 40 – 3
ATTESTATION – Police Area Command & Police District Allocations
CENTRAL METROPOLITAN REGION – 43
Eastern Beaches PAC – 5
Eastern Suburbs PAC – 8
Inner West PAC – 4
Kings Cross PAC – 2
Leichhardt PAC – 3
South Sydney PAC – 7
St George PAC – 3
Sutherland Shire PAC – 4
Surry Hills PAC – 2
Sydney City PAC – 5
NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGION – 35
Blacktown PAC – 2
Blue Mountains PAC – 1
Hawkesbury PAC – 1
Kuring Gai PAC – 4
Mt Druitt PAC – 3
Nepean PAC – 8
North Shore PAC – 2
Northern Beaches PAC – 5
Parramatta PAC – 2
Riverstone PAC – 1
Ryde PAC – 5
The Hills PAC – 1
SOUTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGION – 32
Auburn PAC – 3
Bankstown PAC – 2
Burwood PAC – 7
Camden PAC – 1
Campbelltown City PAC – 2
Campsie PAC – 2
Cumberland PAC – 5
Fairfield City PAC – 5
Liverpool City PAC – 5
NORTHERN REGION – 22
Brisbane Water PD – 3
Coffs/Clarence PD – 2
Hunter Valley PD – 2
Lake Macquarie PD – 1
Newcastle City PD – 3
Manning/Great Lakes PD – 2
Mid North Coast PD – 2
Port Stephens-Hunter PD – 1
Richmond PD – 4
Tuggerah Lakes PD – 1
Tweed/Byron PD – 1
SOUTHERN REGION – 14
Lake Illawarra PD – 1
Monaro PD – 1
Murray River PD – 3
Murrumbidgee PD – 2
Riverina PD – 2
South Coast PD – 1
The Hume PD – 3
Wollongong PD – 1
WESTERN REGION – 13
Barrier PD – 2
Central North PD – 1
Central West PD – 1
Chifley PD – 1
New England PD – 5
Orana Mid-Western PD – 3
TOTAL ALLOCATIONS – 159
**For interviews with recruits going to specific areas, please contact the relevant Police Area Command or relevant Regional Media Officer on Monday 21 August 2023. To obtain a copy of the biography of the retiring officers, contact the Police Media Unit.
