First class of Probationary Constables with Western Sydney University attest in Goulburn
The attestation of a record-breaking 353 probationary constables marks the largest class to attest from the NSW Police Academy in 14 years, and the first with Western Sydney University.
On Friday, 21 August 2026, Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO and Dean of the University’s School of Social Sciences, Professor Jason Pandya-Wood, joined NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM; Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW; The Honourable Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales and The Honourable Yasmin Catley MP, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, to see students sworn in as probationary constables.
Professor Pandya-Wood said this marked an important milestone as the first cohort to attest under the University's partnership with the NSW Police Force to deliver the Associate Degree in Applied Policing (ADAP).
“These students should be proud of the vital role they will play in serving and supporting communities across New South Wales. As they enter the next stage in their professional policing journey, it’s exciting to celebrate their commitment and hard work to date,” said Professor Pandya-Wood.
“With 125 of the 353 students coming from the Greater Western Sydney region, we continue to see a natural synergy between Western Sydney University and police education. This milestone reflects our shared commitment with the NSW Police Force to ensure recruits are well-prepared for the demands of policing today and into the future.”
The Probationary Constables will begin their first day at police stations across the state this week.
Class 369 included 15 First Nations recruits and 48 who were born overseas from 25 countries. The attesting cohort also speak 17 languages other than English.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“Every one of these new officers has put their hand up to serve the people of NSW, keep our communities safe and be there when people need them most,” Premier Minns said.
“You can’t make the job of a cop safe, you just need good, brave people willing to step up.”
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“We inherited a police workforce that was going backwards,” Minister Catley said.
“Experienced officers were leaving in droves, and not enough were being recruited.
“For three and a half years, we have worked every single day to rebuild the NSW Police, and a 70 per cent increase in applications and consecutive record-breaking attesting classes are prime examples of that work being done.
“There is more work to do, there always will be, but we are investing in the NSW Police and putting more officers where the community expects them – on the frontline.
“To every officer attesting today: policing will ask a lot of you. You will see people on their worst days, and you will be asked to step forward when others step back.
“Thank you for choosing to serve and protect our state. We are incredibly grateful to have you in the NSW Police.”
Commissioner Lanyon said:
"Today marks an important milestone for these graduates as they begin their policing careers serving the people of New South Wales," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"I congratulate them on choosing a career dedicated to protecting the community, supporting victims and keeping people safe.
"The skills and training these new officers have gained at the NSW Police Academy will provide a strong foundation as they transition to frontline policing across metropolitan, regional and rural communities."
The program has three stages spanning Distance, Academy (in Goulburn), and Operational learning. For the next 12 months, they will complete on-the-job training and study by distance education. At the end of the 12-month period, they will officially graduate with an Associate Degree in Policing Practice and will be confirmed to the rank of Constable.
ENDS.
23 September 2026
Media Unit