SEVENTEEN new probationary constables will commence duties in Hunter Police Districts after they attested at an attestation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the newest recruits in Goulburn.

“Police officers perform a crucial role in protecting the community. As the probationary constables of Class 346 step into their law enforcement duties they can know that they have the full support of this government,” Mr Elliott said.

“I commend their choice to pursue a career in policing, where they will serve the community and keep this state safe.”

The NSW Government announced it was investing $583 million to introduce 1500 extra police over four years to enhance community safety across NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin welcomed the new police officers to the Port Stephens-Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City and Hunter Valley Police Districts.

“Some of the Force’s newest probationary constables have elected to come back to serve this community while others have chosen to start their careers in the Hunter district,” Mr Martin said.

“On behalf of our community, I am pleased to be able to welcome our newest police officers.”

Class 346 includes 149 men and 55 women.

Some recruits entered the NSW Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades.

The recruits have completed eight months of foundational training and those allocated to commands will report to their stations from Monday 26 April 2021.

Twenty-two recruits were born overseas in countries including Pakistan, Syria and Colombia. Many are from non-English speaking backgrounds, with seven recruits fluent in a second language including Punjabi, Hungarian and Spanish.

Six recruits are Indigenous with one recruit coming through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.

Allocation by Police District

Hunter Valley Police District – 3

Lake Macquarie Police District – 2

Newcastle City Police District – 10

Port Stephens-Hunter Police District – 2