The Nepean Police Area Command has just grown by six as new probationary constables join the ranks.
On Tuesday the group commenced duties, marking the start of their career fighting crime in the community.
As part of Class 336, the new constables are among the 141 men and 60 women who have just completed eight months of intense training at the Police Force Academy in Goulburn.
They will now complete 12 months on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University, to officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice once they have passed all academic and operation standards.
A 31-year-old recruit said he was thrilled to be stationed at Penrith and was looking forward to protecting the community in which he comes from.
“I want to provide resistance to the crime in the area and be that barrier between the good people and the bad,” he said.
“It’s about catching the bad guys and that to me means I’m going to play an integral part in fighting crime and being a part of the solution.”
Another 26-year-old recruit said he was particularly interested in helping to eradicate domestic violence in the area.
“Domestic violence is a big one for me, I like to keep busy and domestic violence has a high percentage in the area, so I’d like to commit myself to help reduce those numbers,” he said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller welcomed the recruits and said they are about to embark on a challenging, yet highly rewarding career path.
“Police play such an important role within our communities and these officers have worked hard – both physically and academically – to reach this milestone,” he said.
“When they walk off the parade ground today, these probationary constables will be tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the people of NSW, and I am confident they will do so with integrity.”
The six new local graduates will be stationed at St Marys but will complete duties all over the Nepean region. They will spend a year under the supervision of experienced officers before graduating.
Nicola Barton
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.