The NSW Police Force will welcome 97 new probationary constables when Class 358 attests at the Goulburn Police Academy today (Friday 23 June 2023).
Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, and the Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, Yasmin Catley, 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.
An officer with more than 40 years’ of service with NSW Police will also march off the parade ground during the formal ceremony, as he retires from the Force.
Premier Minns welcomed the new probationary constables to the NSW Police Force and thanked them for the important work they will be doing protecting and serving the public.
“It is a privilege to stand with the 97 probationary constables here today, as they begin the next chapter of their policing career.
“There will be opportunities to develop new skills, to learn from experienced officers in this new workplace, and engage with the community.
“The skills and knowledge you have gained during your training has prepared you to become an integral member of a modern, world-class police force and the best force in Australia,” Premier Minns said.
Police Minister, Ms Catley, welcomed the recruits to the police family.
“These recruits are now part of a family, a team which works together and supports each other to best protect and serve the community,” she said.
NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb APM said each of today’s attesting constables will have an integral part to play in keeping the NSW community safe.
“Today marks a very special day for every member of Class 358,” Commissioner Webb said.
“There is something special about an individual who wants to join the police and make it their career.
“We are much more than a law enforcement agency. We are a police family, we are a crime prevention agency and a community engagement agency,” she said.
Commissioner Webb will also salute Chief Inspector Peter Forbutt as he marches off the parade ground today after 40 years’ service.
“Ch Insp Forbutt has led a distinguished and exceptional career of more than four decades, and I pay tribute to his dedication to the Force.
“I pass my sincere thanks and all the very best in his retirement,” Commissioner Webb said.
While many recruits are Australian-born, this year the graduating cohort is also made up of students from diverse backgrounds including Egypt, England, India, New Zealand, Iraq, Pakistan, South Africa, Congo, China and South Korea. Five recruits are First Nations.
Of the 97 recruits, 72 are men and 25 are women.
Seven recruits will also receive awards for outstanding academic, physical, marksmanship and practical policing achievements.
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 358
A total of 97 recruits are being sworn in today. The class comprises 72 men and 25 women.
The students will attest with the rank of probationary constable. Recruits will report to their stations for work from Monday 26 June 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, 84 were born in Australia and 13 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Egypt, England, India, New Zealand, Iraq, Pakistan, South Africa, Congo, China and South Korea. Five recruits are First Nations.
Class 358 comprises of ages:
- 18-20 – 19
- 21-25 – 48
- 26-30 – 18
- 31-35 – 6
- 36-40 – 2
- Over 40 – 4
ATTESTATION – Police Area Command & Police District Allocations
CENTRAL METROPOLITAN REGION – 28
Eastern Beaches PAC – 5
Eastern Suburbs PAC – 2
Inner West PAC – 3
Kings Cross PAC – 1
Leichhardt PAC – 1
South Sydney PAC – 2
St George PAC – 1
Sutherland Shire PAC – 5
Surry Hills PAC – 2
Sydney City PAC – 6
NORTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGION – 21
Blacktown PAC – 1
Mt Druitt PAC – 3
Nepean PAC – 5
North Shore PAC – 2
Northern Beaches PAC – 5
Parramatta PAC – 1
Ryde PAC – 3
The Hills PAC – 1
SOUTH WEST METROPOLITAN REGION – 18
Auburn PAC – 1
Bankstown PAC – 2
Burwood PAC – 2
Camden PAC – 1
Campbelltown City PAC – 3
Campsie PAC – 1
Cumberland PAC – 2
Fairfield City PAC – 3
Liverpool City PAC – 3
NORTHERN REGION – 13
Brisbane Water PD – 1
Coffs/Clarence PD – 3
Hunter Valley PD – 2
Lake Macquarie PD –1
Mid North Coast PD – 2
Port Stephens-Hunter PD – 2
Richmond PD – 1
Tuggerah Lakes PD – 1
SOUTHERN REGION – 8
Lake Illawarra PD – 2
Monaro PD – 1
Murray River PD – 2
Murrumbidgee PD – 1
The Hume PD – 1
Wollongong PD – 1
WESTERN REGION – 9
Barrier PD – 1
Central North PD – 1
Central West PD – 1
Chifley PD – 2
New England PD – 2
Orana Mid-Western PD – 1
Oxley PD – 1
TOTAL ALLOCATIONS – 97
**For interviews with recruits going to specific areas, please contact the relevant Police Area Command or Police District on Monday 26 June 2023. To obtain a copy of the biography of the retiring officers, contact the Police Media Unit.
