Record Police numbers: NSW Government delivers an extra 170 frontline officers

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres have congratulated the 170 members of “Class 322” who have today graduated from the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn.

“I congratulate each and every member of Class 322, which consists of 111 male and 59 female recruits ranging from 19 to 48 years,” Mr Baird said.

“The probationary officers will now begin their careers across 50 Local Area Commands.

“As a result, NSW Police Force numbers are now at record highs with authorised strength at 16,396.

“Since 2011, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has employed an additional 590 police officers.

“The officers graduating today come from a variety of cultural backgrounds with 13 identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

“These men and women join the company of thousands of fellow and former officers in Australia's oldest and largest police organisation.

“For many of these graduates it has been a long, arduous journey between filling in their first application and throwing their cap in the air today,” Mr Baird said.

Mr Ayres said the recruits will experience the incredible responsibility and privilege of serving their community.

“Under the leadership of Commissioner Andrew Scipione, the NSW Police Force is internationally recognised as one of the strongest and most professional forces in the world,” Mr Ayres said.

Mr Ayres also acknowledged the “marching off” of former Assistant Commissioner Peter Dein.

“Assistant Commissioner Dein has served the people of NSW for over 41 years, most recently as Commander of the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command of the NSW Police Force,” he said.

“Today’s graduates join an elite group of women and men who selflessly dedicate their lives on a daily basis to serve and protect the community.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, I congratulate today’s recruits and look forward to seeing them continue the high standard of excellence we expect from the NSW Police Force,” Mr Ayres said.