Mitchell Lyons is one of five probationary constables allocated to the Orana Mid-Western Police District.

Four will be stationed at Dubbo and one at Wellington, as the state faces the threat of COVID-19.

Probationary Constable Lyons said he had always wanted to be a police officer to protect and help the community.

Coming from the Central Coast, he said Dubbo would be a great place for him to learn, being regional and a different environment, and he was eager to learn.

The 263 recruits were sworn in as probationary constables at Goulburn on April 9 at a private attestation ceremony.

NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the latest intake of probationary constables would provide a valuable boost to police resources as the state faces the threat of COVID-19.

"I welcome our newest police officers from Class 340 who attest at a very significant time," he said.

"They will hit the ground running, and I want them to know that I have their back."

Police minister David Elliott welcomed them and said it was not an easy time to be a first responder.

"Due to the current restrictions, these recruits have not had the send-off into their new careers that they deserve," he said.

"I am working with Commissioner Fuller to ensure that all recruits attesting this year will be celebrated bigger than ever when it is safe to do so."

Class 340 includes 177 men and 86 women.

Some recruits entered the NSW Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades.

The recruits have completed eight months of foundational training.

Thirty-one recruits were born overseas in countries including Italy, Afghanistan, USA, Thailand and Lebanon.

Five recruits are Indigenous with two coming through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.