Stephen Bali MP, State Member for Blacktown said Blacktown has received one of the largest allocations of new police officers, with 18 to be deployed across Blacktown City area.
"The past decade saw long term police officers retire, others resigning and coupled with falling numbers in the academy created extra strain on serving police officers,” Mr Bali said.
“The NSW Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild the police force through initiatives such as the introduction of paid academy training which encourages older police recruits to switch careers; recent acceptance of the NSW Labor Government’s historic four-year pay agreement improving wages after abolishing the wages cap that will all help address recruitment and retention.”
The new police graduates will undertake 12 months of on-the-job training including general duties police work and gain valuable experience working alongside their seasoned colleagues training that ensures the safety and security of communities across Blacktown City.
Blacktown Local Area Commander, Superintendent Rod Pistola said: “The new recruits are a welcome addition to the local police force and looking forward to watching their careers flourish as they engage and protect the community.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “Congratulations to Class 364, who today begin their journey in one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers there are."
“Today is the combination of eight months of hard work and training. And it's also the beginning of an incredibly exciting career in New South Wales Police Force.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM congratulated the new 298 probationary constables for demonstrating the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the NSW Police Force.
