PORT Stephens-Hunter Police District have welcomed three new Probationary Constables to the district.

Class 350 are the newest attested recruits from the NSW Police Force who were sworn in on Friday 3 December 2021.

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From Monday 6 December 2021, 218 recruits will commence duties across the state, seeing them undertake a year of on-the-job training and completion of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.

The local district welcomes Probationary Constables’ Kayla Wilson, Emma Nicholson and Darren Rondo to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District.

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.”

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.

“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.”

Class 350 has a total of 162 men and 55 women sworn, with 192 Australian-born recruits and 26 born overseas in countries including countries such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, China, Greece and Ireland.

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.

Welcome to the district to the new recruits.

By Tara CAMPBELL