Over 20 new cops for the region

TWENTY-TWO new probationary constables joined the ranks of three police district commands this week with a mission to safeguard local communities.

The constables will be deployed to local stations as they begin 12 months of on-the-job training.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed the recruits from Class 364 and wished them well for their careers with the  NSW Police Force.

“They are making history as being among 298 members of the largest class to graduate from the Goulburn Police Academy in a decade,” Ms Saffin said.

“Class 364 comprises 218 men and 80 women aged between 18 and 52, with five recruits receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.”

Ms Saffin joined the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley and NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM in Byron Bay last week for the new emergency services hub announcement.

Police Association NSW Vice-President Ian Allwood last week told media that officer numbers dropped significantly during the COVID pandemic.

However, with November’s wage rise of up to 40 per cent and the incentive for student officers to be paid about $1,360 per week at the academy, Allwood said the force should return to full capacity by 2026.

“We will have ten probationary constables in the Tweed-Byron Police District, seven for Richmond, and six for New England,” Ms Saffin said.