Officers from Class 335 took their oath of office on Friday, with 24 of the 257 officers allocated to the Western Region, and six of these allocated to Chifley Police District.

Superintendent Paul McDonald, Commander of Chifley Police District, said it was very exciting day right across the command.

“We’re welcoming six fresh probationary constables, attested from the Academy after eight months of intensive training,” he said.

Of the six probationary officers, four will be based in Bathurst, one in Lithgow and one in Cowra.

Supt McDonald said they were all very keen to get into the job.

He said the new officers will be doing everything from attending major incidents to simple tasks, including making reports and taking statements.

“They will be shown all aspects of the job,” he said, adding they will contribute to the “good work already underway in the command.”

While the probationary constables will initially work in general duties, Supt McDonald said they will also get a taste in other specialist areas including the Target Action Group and aspects of criminal investigation.

He said in the next 12 months, they will be learning from some of the most adept police in the service.

“We’ve got very experienced police here, very good trainers, they are in good hands.

One of the new probationary constables, Lucy Bryson, said she’s excited to be on the job and looking forward to getting out in the community.

She said she has always loved the idea of justice being served which is what led her into NSW Police.

Paul Toole, Member for Bathurst, welcomed the new officers saying the safety of the community was paramount.

“In the next four years the government will be rolling out an additional 1500 police officers and I will be putting my hand up to get more police officers in the region.”