Five new probationary constables have joined the Orana Mid-Western Police District after the attestation of recruits last week. 

The five new recruits began their duties on Monday 6 December. Probationary Constable Joey Jamieson will be stationed in Gilgandra while the four remaining officers have started their duties in Dubbo. 

Their new positions will see them undertake a year of on-the-job training and complete the Associate Degree in Policing Practice by distance education, before being confirmed to the rank of constable. 

Hailing from Walgett and working in Dubbo, Probationary Constable Luke Dewberry said that despite only having had two shifts, he’s happy to have been thrown straight in the deep end of the role. 

“Just because you’re new doesn’t mean the job starts off easy, you just get straight into it,” Probationary Constable Dewberry said. "I’m just listening to the senior police officers and trying to learn as much as I can as I go."

Orana Mid-Western Police District Commander Superintendent Danny Sullivan welcomed the new recruits to the region. 

“We are very fortunate to have the five new recruits starting across our Police District this week,” Superintendent Sullivan said.

At last week’s attestation ceremony, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said that the graduates would face a unique time to commence duties. 

“2021 has been another challenging year for NSW, with police taking on an unprecedented role in protecting the community from Covid-19,” Commissioner Fuller said. 

The Covid-19 context extended to their recent training, where they studied at home before placed in lockdown at the academy, unable to take leave until recently. 

For Probationary Constable Dewberry, the variation of the job is the best part. 

“It’s up and downs all day. Some things are really positive and really nice to attend to, and some things are a bit more heavy. I can’t ever see myself getting tired of it,” Probationary Constable Dewberry said.

“Everyday I get up and see what’s to come and feel like I can make a positive impact. Whether it’s something nice or something not so nice, at the end of the day you’re doing something positive for the community,” he said.

Of the 218 new officers being sworn in, the class comprised of 163 men and 55 women. 

The five police officers to join the Orana Mid-Western Police District are among 18 new officers being deployed in the Western Region.