THE largest class of NSW Police Force recruits in 11 years graduated the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, with 302 new probationary constables set to start work in communities across New South Wales on Monday.

The new officers will help bolster the force’s frontline capabilities by providing more boots on the ground to fight crime and keep communities safe.

A new recruitment initiative – the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program – was also announced and is designed to attract top-performing athletes to the NSW Police Force.

Class 365 attests after successfully completing eight months in the Constable Education Program – four months of distance education and four months of rigorous, hands-on training at the Goulburn Police Academy.

The recruits will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across Central Metropolitan Region (75), Northwest Metropolitan Region (66), Northern Region (45), Southwest Metropolitan Region (63), Southern Region (26) and Western Region (27).

Class 365 is made up of 221 men and 81 women. Eight recruits are receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.

Six dogs from the NSWPF Dog Unit also graduated, highlighting the important role four-legged officers play in supporting frontline police work.

Eight Probationary Constables will also benefit from the new You Should Be a Cop in your Hometown initiative and are now returning to, or near, their hometown to start work.

The Police Mobility Program, which welcomes officers from other jurisdictions, has already resulted in 94 applications, showcasing its success in attracting experienced officers from other Australian states, territories and New Zealand.

The announcement of the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program will further assist to attract a more diverse range of recruits.

The program is designed to attract top-performing athletes and provide them with a flexible, supported pathway into policing while continuing their athletic careers.

The program acknowledges traits athletes possess are well aligned with policing, including discipline, resilience and teamwork.

While strong progress has been made in the way of recruitment and retention, the work is far from done and the NSW Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving more.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns welcomed the new officers.

“To the around three-hundred new recruits: a big, warm welcome to the NSW Police Force. Thank you for putting yourself forward to protect the New South Wales community,” Mr Minns said.

“Our Government’s number one priority is community safety, and our NSW police are on the frontline every day.

“This is the latest class to benefit from our paid study program, we have delivered police a historic pay rise, and we have launched initiatives to get cops back to the bush.

“While there is more work to do, we are turning around the police recruitment crisis left by the Nationals and Liberals.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said Class 365 will begin a rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.

“These Probationary Constables are stepping up with the integrity, courage and commitment NSW communities depend on,” she said.

“For many attesting today, becoming a police officer wouldn’t be possible without paid study. This landmark recruitment reform has given a diverse new cohort the opportunity to join the best police force in the country and our community is all the richer for it.

“The new officers will be deployed where they are needed the most, providing much-needed support for the hardworking police already on the frontline.

“We want to give more people the opportunity to join the NSW Police so I am pleased to announce the Elite Athlete Program to help achieve this.

“The NSW Labor Government backs our police every step of the way. We wish Class 365 all the best as they head out into the field – ready to serve and protect communities right across NSW,” she said.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the class demonstrates a major turning point in recruitment for the NSW Police Force.

“It’s the biggest class in 11 years with more than 300 recruits marching off the parade ground, which is a milestone in our campaign to boost the ranks,” she said.

“Based on the weekly average, the number of applications has increased by 70 per cent since November 2023 when I announced the new payment scheme for all recruits.

“Many of our new probationary officers would not be here today to reach their dream of becoming a police officer without that wage.

“Since November 2023, we have seen a 33 per cent increase from female applicants which is a critical addition to the force,” she said.