Eight new police recruits will start their careers in Newcastle on Monday after graduating from what will be the NSW Police Commissioner's final attestation ceremony.
Commissioner Mick Fuller will swear-in 218 new probationary constables on Friday before his retirement from the force next year.
Of the new recruits, 34 will join districts in the Northern Region. Newcastle will receive the most with eight, Lake Macquarie has been allocated four and three will head to Port Stephens Hunter. None were assigned to Hunter Valley.
The probationary constables will engage in a year of on-the-job training and complete an Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.
Commissioner Fuller welcomed those attesting to the NSW Police Force and said the recruits were joining at a unique time in the state's history.
The class were first required to study at home for a lengthy period, and once on site, were placed in lockdown at the academy - unable to take weekend leave to see their families until two weeks ago.
"2021 has been another challenging year for NSW, with police taking on an unprecedented role in protecting the community from COVID-19," Commissioner Fuller said.
"With our role in pandemic response winding down as the state progresses along the road to recovery, I want to encourage our newest recruits to remember what's at the heart of everything we do as police officers - community safety.
"Thank you for choosing to be part of our mission to keep the people of this state safe. It is an honour to swear you in on my last attestation as Commissioner."
The students of Class 350 will take their oath of office before Commissioner Fuller, who will be joined by Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Premier of NSW, Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and senior police officers.
Education and Training Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dean Smith, said the Class of 350 had been presented with unique challenges throughout their training due to COVID-19, but had shown resilience to reach this proud moment today.
"I congratulate them for the strength and dedication they have shown - it sets them up well for long and distinguished careers," Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
