The Minns Labor Government have welcomed 349 new probationary constables into the NSW Police Force, with the Class 368 attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy last week.
The record-breaking class is the largest to join the NSW Police Force in more than 13 years, highlighting the Government’s commitment to rebuilding and boosting frontline resources across the state.
The ceremony recognises that our newest officers have officially completed their eight months of training through the Constable Education Program and will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training as probationary constables.
Class 368 will be deployed to Police Area Commands and Police Districts across NSW, including:
- Central Metropolitan Region – 89
- South West Metropolitan Region – 72
- North West Metropolitan Region – 66
- Northern Region – 62
- Southern Region – 31
- Western Region – 29
The class includes 90 women, 20 First Nations recruits, and officers born in 20 different countries – reflecting the communities they will now serve.
This attestation builds on the previous record-breaking Class 366, which saw 314 recruits sworn in last August – then the largest class in more than a decade.
Strengthening the NSW Police Force to fight crime and keep our communities safe the new officers will be deployed across multiple districts across the state including 2 recruits to Hunter Valley Police District (Hunter Valley PD) and 3 to Lake Macquarie Police District (Lake Macquarie PD).
These officers hit the ground running from today, bringing the number of officers in our region since the 2023 election to 43 for Hunter Valley PD and 32 officers for Lake Macquarie PD.
The milestone is further evidence that the Minns Labor Government’s police recruitment reforms are gaining momentum, including paid study for recruits, a once-in-a-generation pay rise, the Be a Cop In Your Hometown program and the Professional Mobility Program.
It also comes as the first intake of cadets prepare to start work Monday under the NSW Police Force Cadet Traineeship Program.
The 12-month pilot program gives school leavers and young adults hands-on experience in policing, with cadets rotating through general duties, Traffic and Highway Patrol, detectives and crime prevention.
Cadets will gain early exposure to policing culture, values and expectations, complete a Certificate III in Business and be supported to apply for further study and training at the Police Academy.
The first cadet pilot will operate in The Hills Police Area Command and Sutherland Shire Police Area Command.
The Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild the NSW Police Force includes:
- Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
- Paying recruits to train at the Goulburn Police Academy
- Establishing the ‘Be a Cop In Your Hometown’ program
- Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to attract experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand
- Establishing the Cadet Traineeship Program to create a new early pathway into policing
- Establishing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers across their careers
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“Every one of these 349 officers represents more support for the frontline and more protection for communities right across the state – and each of them have chosen duty, service and the responsibility of keeping NSW safe.
“The Minns Government is proud to be rebuilding the NSW Police Force. For too long, the former government failed to invest properly in our police. They capped wages, let recruitment slide and left the force under pressure – and we know thousands of experienced officers left because of it.
“There is more to do, but the momentum is real – the last class broke a 13-year record, and this class has broken it again.”
State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock, Clayton Barr said:
“I warmly welcome these new recruits to the area. They will play an important role in delivering safer streets and stronger communities.
“Policing is a tough and demanding profession; I thank you for your decision to put on the uniform and dedicate yourself to serving and protecting our communities.”
“I look forward to supporting them in their work and seeing the contribution they’ll make to our community.”