THE NSW Police Force on Friday welcomed 349 new probationary constables, as Class 368 became the largest class to graduate in 13 years.

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley, and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley welcomed the new students on Friday.

The graduating students will begin their first day as sworn officers today, the same day nine cadets start their police cadetship program – the first since 1977.

The cadets – aged 17 and 18 – have spent the last four weeks undergoing an induction.

For the next 12 months, the cadets will be placed at The Hills and Sutherland Shire Police Area Commands, where they will undergo paid experience, learning firsthand what life as a police officer involves.

NSW Police Force welcomed Class 368 – the largest class to graduate in 13 years.

Six police dogs also attested – three drug detection dogs named Horrace, Bachar and Quattro, and three general purpose dogs named Evie, Charger and Pride.

Commissioner Lanyon said he is incredibly proud to welcome Class 368 to the force.

“It is my privilege to welcome part of a new generation of officers who will shape the future of the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Lanyon said.

“Each recruit has already shown discipline, courage and commitment to becoming a police officer and I’m confident in their ability to serve the communities they have been placed in.

“I am proud to welcome the recruits to a career that will demand a lot of them but one that will make an impact.”

Class 368 is the last class to be graduating with Charles Sturt University, before the program begins with Western Sydney University. In recognition of the long-standing relationship between the NSW Police Force and Charles Sturt University, a lecture hall at the NSW Police Force Academy has been renamed after the university.

Ms Catley thanked every recruit for their commitment.

“To every officer attesting today, and every family standing behind them: thank you. NSW backs you, NSW is grateful, and we wish you a long, safe and rewarding career,” Ms Catley said.

“Every one of these 350 officers represents more support for the frontline and more protection for communities right across the state – and each of them have chosen duty, service and the responsibility of keeping NSW safe.

“There is more to do, but the momentum is real – the last class broke a 13-year record, and this class has broken it again.”