NEW South Wales Police welcomed the biggest class in a decade as 298 new probationary constables from Class 364 attested at the NSW Police Academy on Friday.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, joined NSW Police Commissioner, Karen Webb at the Goulburn Police Academy.

On Monday, the probationary constables will be deployed to police stations across the state for their first day on the job, serving local communities.

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

“Class 364 is the largest attesting class in a decade – overwhelming evidence the tide is turning on recruitment. Next year is set to be even bigger, with more than ,000 recruits attesting,” Ms Catley said.

“The NSW Government backs our police to the hilt. We are focused on retaining experienced officers and recruiting new ones which is why we’ve secured a historic pay deal, we’re paying recruits to train and offering recruits from the bush a pathway to work in or near their hometown after attesting.

“Congratulations to Class 364. This marks the start of what I hope is a long, rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.”

Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the attestation was a huge milestone for the recruits who should be proud of their hard work over the past eight months.

“I want to congratulate our newest 298 probationary constables, who have shown they have the resilience and determination required to succeed in the NSW Police Force,” she said.

“They have proven themselves physically and academically to reach this point and from Monday they will experience the incredible reward of serving the community as a police officer.

“Every day for the next 12 months will bring both new challenges and rewards, and I take this opportunity to remind them that they are not alone, and their blue family will be here to support them every step of the way.”

Commissioner Webb said Friday’s attestation marked a turning point for the organisation.

“I am overjoyed at the size of Class 364 and congratulate not only our newest troops, but those within the organisation who made this happen,” she said.

“Recruitment has been a key focus of my team and seeing the biggest class in 10 years graduate from the Academy is a major achievement in rebuilding our organisation.

“Not only that, but our application numbers also continue to rise, and I look forward to the even bigger classes set to graduate in 2025.”

Images: NSW Police