HUNTER police districts will welcome fresh faces after a new wave of probationary constables marched out of Goulburn on Friday.
But their milestone lacked the usual fanfare, with coronavirus meaning the attestation ceremony did not proceed as normal.
Port Stephens will add three to its ranks while Hunter Valley and Mid-North Coast will weach add two.
Tuggerah Lakes will welcome one of the 159 graduates, who NSW Police Minister David Elliott had graduated in strange times.
"These recruits join the strong police family of more than 17,000 officers at a significant time as state continues to face a global pandemic," Mr Elliott said.
"One student in particular, David Silburn, was originally part of Class 340, but was seriously burned during the horrific bushfires in January as a RFS volunteer. He returned to complete his training and attests today, a testament of his resilience and courage.
"Due to the current social distancing rules, these recruits have not had the send-off they deserve. I'm working with the Commissioner to ensure that all the recruits who attest during the COVID-19 period will be celebrated and honoured once restrictions ease further."
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the new recruits were "a welcome addition to police area commands and police districts across the state and to the community of New South Wales."
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