NSW Government Fast-Tracks Police Recruitment with New Academy Program

The New South Wales Government is stepping up efforts to recruit more police officers, announcing an additional intake at the NSW Police Academy this year to strengthen frontline policing across the state.

Under the expanded program, the Academy will increase from three attestation classes annually to four, creating a faster and larger pipeline of probationary constables for police commands throughout NSW.

The move follows the recent graduation of Class 368, the largest attestation group in more than 13 years, highlighting the Government's push to rebuild police numbers and reinforce frontline services.

To support the extra intake, the Government will launch a new recruitment campaign encouraging more people to consider a career with the NSW Police Force.

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy aimed at rebuilding the force after years of workforce pressures, recruitment challenges and retention issues.

Since taking office, the Minns Labor Government says it has introduced several measures to attract and retain officers, including a significant police pay rise, paid study for recruits and new recruitment pathways for experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand.

The Government also introduced the "Be a Cop In Your Hometown" program, allowing regional recruits to return to their local communities after completing training.

Officials say the expanded intake is designed to help offset the loss of experienced and retiring officers while increasing police numbers in metropolitan and regional areas.

Police are continuing to face growing demands, including responding to domestic and family violence incidents, tackling organised crime, improving road safety and supporting communities during emergencies and critical incidents.

Premier Chris Minns said the additional class would help deliver more officers to frontline duties sooner.

"NSW needs more police, and this addition means more recruits coming through the Academy and onto the frontline every year," Mr Minns said.

"This is about opening the door to more people who want to serve their community and making sure we can get them trained and into the field as quickly as possible."

Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said the Government remained focused on strengthening recruitment and supporting officers.

"We are putting more police through the Academy and onto the frontline," Ms Catley said.

"This is about rebuilding the force, strengthening the pipeline and getting more boots on the ground in communities right across New South Wales."

Ms Catley said recent reforms, including paid study at the Academy and improved pay and conditions, were helping attract new recruits and experienced officers alike.

"We will keep backing them, because keeping NSW safe starts with a strong, supported and growing police force," she said.