NSW Police campaigns to recruit more regional cops with aim to keep young officers working in regions
Police have kickstarted a new initiative on the Mid-North Coast in efforts to lock in future officers across regional NSW. Here’s what’s happening.
Regional News
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Police have kickstarted a new initiative at Port Macquarie on the Mid-North Coast in efforts to lock in future officers across regional NSW.
NSW Police launched the You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown campaign this week to attract potential applicants to a dozen regional areas.
That includes Albury, Bathurst, Coffs, Clarence, Dubbo/Wellington, Griffith, Hunter Valley; Mid-North Coast, Moree, Nowra, Richmond, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga.
However, placements will ultimately depend on operational requirements.
Recruitment efforts were underway in Port Macquarie on Wednesday. On Friday, campaigning will continue in Lismore, while police will target Coffs Harbour on Saturday and Muswellbrook on Sunday.
State police Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree of the People and Capability Command said the force wanted to provide more certainty for recruits, – and give them confidence to sign up and work locally.
“We know that becoming a police officer and moving away from home can be a big ask, especially if you have family and enjoy where you live,” he said.
“This new initiative will give those who apply to be a police officer a higher level of confidence on where they’ll work.
“As well as being paid to train and starting your career with NSW Police, when you join, you can identify where you would like to work and if an applicant is from a regional area not listed, we will still look at positions available in the area.”
Police also launched the You Should Be a Cop Youth Program at Port Macquarie PCYC on Wednesday.
The program involves work experience, education and aims to get kids interested in becoming an officer. Police expect the program will dismantle barriers delaying entry into the force.
Pilots were held in Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, Oxley Police District and south west Sydney – the initiative is set to be expanded state wide next year and include Mid-North Coast students.
Each cohort will include about 20 students from years 10-12, identified by school careers counsellors.
Students participate in a four-day program to experience a variety of specialist commands. A potential visit to the Police Academy at Goulburn has also been flagged.
Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood of the Capability Performance and Youth Command said pilots were aimed at finding the next generation of officers, but also inspiring students and showing them what serving was all about.
“This is an opportunity to showcase a career in policing for young people who may have not previously considered joining the police force,” he said.
“We are hoping to attract young people from big and small regional towns, metropolitan areas and culturally diverse backgrounds, because it will help us better serve the community.”
Check out the NSW Police website you’re interested in more information.
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