One hundred and nine (109) new police recruits will take their oath of office at an attestation ceremony in Goulburn today (Friday 29 April 2016).

Today’s ceremony will be hosted by NSW Police Force Commissioner Andrew Scipione APM. He will be joined by Reviewing Officer – His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales – and special guest, Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice and Police, Troy Grant.

The new probationary constables from Class 327 come from diverse backgrounds.

Several of the recruits are from a non-English speaking background, while a number were born overseas in countries including South Korea, Wales, Belgium, Brazil, Lebanon and India.

Six of the probationary constables identify as being from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.

The youngest probationary constable from this attesting class is 20 years old, while the oldest is aged 51.

For some, it is their first career; others left established professional careers and trades to join the NSW Police Force.

Commissioner Scipione will officially welcome the 80 new policemen and 29 policewomen at today’s attestation ceremony.

“As I look to the future of policing in NSW, I am confident the officers joining our ranks today will bring the vigour, enthusiasm and diversity,” Commissioner Scipione said.

“In return for their dedicated and ethical service, these new officers can expect experiences and memories that make policing more than just a career.

“To all the students attesting today, I extend my best wishes for their policing futures,” Commissioner Scipione said.

The probationary constables from Class 327 will begin work in their local area commands from next Monday (2 May 2016).

They will then complete 12 months’ on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University before they officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice, and be confirmed in the rank of constable.

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT CLASS 327

• A total of 109 new recruits will be sworn in today.

• The class comprises 80 policemen and 29 policewomen.

• Of the probationary constables who will attest today, 97 were born in Australia and 12 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include the United Kingdom, Wales, Belgium, Brazil, India, Lebanon, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Korea.

• Among those attesting today, six probationary constables identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background.

• The youngest recruit is aged 20 and the oldest is 51. Other age statistics:

1 is aged 18-20

47 are aged 21-25

27 are aged 26-30

13 are aged 31-35

9 are aged 36-40