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NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller will swear-in 218 new probationary constables at his final attestation ceremony ahead of his retirement next year.

The students of Class 350 are set to take their oath of office before Commissioner Fuller, who will be joined by Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and senior NSW Police officers, at a ceremony today (Friday 3 December 2021).

Class 350 will commence duties from next Monday (6 December 2021), which will see them undertake a year of on-the-job training and complete the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.

As the new officers start their careers, Commissioner Fuller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys and Former Detective Senior Constable Andrea Rodriguez will be honoured during the ceremony ahead of their retirement from distinguished careers. The NSW Police Force Airwing will conduct a flyover of the parade ground to commemorate the march off of Commissioner Fuller, after 34 years of distinguished service.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the new recruits on the beginning of a career dedicated to keeping the people of NSW safe.

“As police officers, you play a crucial role in our communities – often seeing the best and worst of people, but always upholding the law, and serving and protecting the people of this state,” Mr Elliott said.

“I wish you well as you step up to your new role as Probationary Constable and thank you for choosing a career in policing. The NSW Government is behind you, and I wish you all a long and successful career.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller welcomed those attesting to the NSW Police Force and said the 218 recruits were joining at a unique time in the state’s history.

“2021 has been another challenging year for NSW, with police taking on an unprecedented role in protecting the community from COVID-19,” Commissioner Fuller said.

“With our role in pandemic response winding down as the state progresses along the road to recovery, I want to encourage our newest recruits to remember what’s at the heart of everything we do as police officers – community safety.

“Thank you for choosing to be part of our mission to keep the people of this state safe. It is an honour to swear you in on my last attestation as Commissioner.”

Education and Training Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dean Smith, said the Class of 350 had been presented with unique challenges throughout their training due to COVID-19, but had shown resilience to reach this proud moment today.

“The 218 students were first required to study at home for a lengthy period, and once on site, were placed in lockdown at the academy – unable to take weekend leave to see their families until two weeks ago,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“I congratulate them for the strength and dedication they have shown – it sets them up well for long and distinguished careers.”

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 350

A total of 218 recruits are being sworn in today, with the class comprised of 163 men and 55 women.

The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from Monday 6 December 2021.

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, seven recruits are indigenous.

Those born in Australia total 192, while 26 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Afghanistan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, China, Colombia, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Iraq, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Nepal, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Languages in addition to English spoken by students in Class 350 include Arabic, Assyrian, Cantonese, Croatian, Dari, Filipino, Korean, Nepali, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

The youngest recruits are aged 19, while the oldest recruit is aged 46. Other age statistics for Class 349:

• 18-20 – 49
• 21-25 – 96
• 26-30 – 46
• 31-35 – 16
• 36-40 – 8
• Over 40 – 3

For interviews with recruits going to specific areas, please contact the relevant Regional Media Officer or Police Area Command/Police District directly from next Monday (6 December 2021).