SEVEN new probationary constables have begun their duties in the Coffs/Clarence Police District after new officers attested at last Friday’s ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh welcomed the new police officers to the Coffs Coast and joined them for a walk-through of Coffs Harbour’s central business district, where they were warmly greeted by Christmas shoppers and traders.

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“I’m delighted these new recruits are making themselves at home right here on the Coffs Coast and I trust they will enjoy settling into their new surroundings, meeting and helping members of our community,” Mr Singh said.

“They join an outstanding and dedicated team at Coffs/Clarence Police District and I wish them every success in their new careers as they tackle crime on the front line and keep our citizens safe.

“We appreciate their commitment to fostering a safe and thriving community and we want them to know how much we value having them here.

“These probationary constables are helping to strengthen local policing and bolster the ranks of the NSW Police Force, and I thank them for it.”

Across the state NSW Police has this week welcomed 298 new Probationary Constables, marking a historic moment as the largest class to graduate in a decade.

A total of 57 Probationary Constables will join the Force in the Northern Region, which covers from the Central Coast to the Queensland border.

Class 364 attested at the Goulburn Police Academy after completing eight months of training in the Constable Education Program (CEP).

The program includes four months of distance learning followed by four months of intensive training at the Academy.

Following their graduation, the recruits will embark on 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across metropolitan and regional communities from this week.

Class 364 comprises 218 men and 80 women aged between 18 and 52, with five recruits receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.

This is the third class to benefit from the NSW Government’s paid study allowance during their training at the Academy.

“This is a monumental day for the NSW Police,” Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said.

Class 364 is the largest attesting class in a decade – strong evidence the tide is turning on recruitment.

“Next year is set to be even bigger, with more than 1,000 recruits attesting.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM congratulated the probationary constables for demonstrating the “resilience and determination needed to succeed in the NSW Police Force”.

“The graduation of Class 364, the largest in 10 years, is a significant milestone in rebuilding our organisation and reflects the hard work of everyone involved.

“With application numbers on the rise, I look forward to welcoming even larger classes in 2025 as we continue strengthening our ranks.”