This year's NSW Police Academy graduates had a higher wall to climb as COVID-19 restrictions proved a challenge for aspiring police officers.
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NSW Police Academy principal superintendent Rod Smith said COVID-19 was the greatest challenge police cadets had faced in recent history.
He said the cadets took the challenge in their stride.
"They adapted and overcame, like police officers do."
The NSW Police Force welcomed 159 new probationary constables at a private ceremony at the Goulburn academy on June 19.
VIDEO ABOVE: Southern Highlands resident probationary constable David Silburn was seriously burned during the January bush fires as a volunteer member of the RFS Bargo unit. He was admitted to the Concord Burns Unit and returned to complete his training with Class 341. He is being posted to Camden PAC.
Social distancing and mass gathering directions were applied to the attestation of Class 341, with no members of the public or media able to attend.
Class 341 included 117 men and 42 women who will undertake 12 months on-the-job training and complete the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.
Superintendent Smith said despite COVID-19 restrictions the graduation was "fantastic".
"The weather was perfect, Goulburn put on a show."
A large range of restrictions were first imposed at the academy in March.
Classes were completed online with operational safety and other 'hands-on' classes carried out on campus. This included an eight week intensive practical scenarios component.
All students were tested for coronavirus upon entry to the campus. All returned negative results.
Student access off campus was also restricted. The gym has recently reopened but the bar and other facilities remain closed.
Mr Smith said that despite these challenges the academy was still "churning out the same numbers of probationary constables."
VIDEO ABOVE: Probationary Constable Jamie Merz joined the Police Academy through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) pathway. He is being posted to Port Stephens-Hunter PAC.
Commissioner Mick Fuller was pleased to welcome the latest intake of probationary constables.
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"I wish I could welcome Class 341 to the force with a full attestation ceremony in front of their family and friends," he said.
"Importantly, they will each be able to take their oath of office, which is one of the most important moments in every officer's career.
"All 159 men and women who attest today are a welcome addition to the force. They will take their positions at the Police Area Commands and Police Districts... and will play a significant part in driving down crime and ensuring communities are kept safe."