Police graduation ceremony The Australian 1 September 2006

1 SEPTEMBER 2006.

Yesterday 316 jubilant probationary constables threw their hats in the air as they were officially welcomed into the NSW police force.

At the end of the graduation ceremony there were tears and laughter as the new recruits posed for photographs with parents, grandparents and children.

Most will begin work on Monday, with a large number being posted to Sydney's crime hotspots in the city's southwest.

With an election looming, NSW Premier Morris Iemma was quick to make political hay out of the new appointments, telling the audience that with declining crime rates, unprecedented new powers and the ``cleanest'' force in decades, there had never been a better time to join the force.

He said the new probationary constables would bring numbers to more than 15,000, the highest in NSW history.

``It is your sense of justice and fair play that brings you into the police force,'' he told the officers assembled on the parade ground at the NSW Police College in Goulburn.

``You are keeping our state, our towns and our suburbs safe for law abiding citizens.''

Police Commissioner Ken Maroney led the swearing in ceremony, with the new officers repeating after him that they solemnly swore to serve ``our Lady the Queen, without malice or ill will.''

``We understand the enormous range of emotions you are feeling, anticipation, nervousness and excitement,'' he said.

``Of all the characteristics that you will develop, none will be more important than a passion for policing. Seek out and maintain a passion for truth and decency. Always have a passion for the community you serve. The safety of the people is the highest law you can follow.''

There were 87 women amongst the intake, as well as a range of ethnic backgrounds. Officials were quick to point out that the new hiring policies promoted a diversity of life experience in a reshaped police force.

Former public servant Troy Chaplin, 33, whose age would once have barred him from employment, said he felt ``fantastic'' and defended the new employment practices.

``Bringing in people with life experience outside the police gives the force a better chance of communicating with  the public,'' he said.

``By having someone people can relate to, it gives police the chance to get out and mix with the public.''

ENDS