Seven new probationary police constables have been welcomed into the ranks of the Oranda Mid-Western Police District, with four of the newly trained recruits assigned to the Dubbo station.
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Coming from a range of different backgrounds, the new probationary constables will work in tandem with more experienced officers for their first year of policing within the community.
While many of the new recruits come from across the state, some already have close ties to the Dubbo community.
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Ruth Hand, an international expat from the United Kingdom, is one Dubbo local who's accrued plenty of experience, having previously worked with the police in Britain, and also spent plenty of time as one of Dubbo Regional Council's parking inspector.
She says that the rewarding work within the community has always been the driver for her and is glad to be continuing in a similar role.
"I used to be in the UK police force and I've always enjoyed serving the community and working with the public, having been a parking officer for council and having that community interaction with the local businesses, this was the next logical step for me," Probationary Constable Hand said.
"I'll be able to help them from a different perspective and I've already built that trust there, they're already know me so going in as a police constable, to a certain degree that might be a bit easier."
Probationary Constable Hand said she was glad to be working in Dubbo, which shew knew well as a 'good community'.
"I've made a lot of friends in the local area, there's a great culture here and I'm very settled; I like the country feeling," Probationary Constable Hand said.
"You've still got that sense of community spirit, whether it's working with youngsters or the elderly, I like the variety of the job, certainly."
Among the younger recruits was Lachlan Harnett, who hails from the Central Coast and is eager to get started in a line of work he's been hoping to be a part of for a long time.
"The main reason I wanted to be police is to help people, to make a difference and to get to give back to the community as much as I could," Probationary Constable Harnett said.
Katlyn Onslow, from Glen Innes, says that working in a country town is the ideal place to start a career as a police constable.
"Everyone knows everyone, it's a bit friendlier and a bit more familiar when you working in a country town," Probationary Constable Onslow said.
Bailey Dowton will be the fourth officer stationed in Dubbo, while the other three, Kieren McGrath, Lara Grainger and Brian Nadin will head to Gilgandra, Warren and Coonamble.
Detective Superintendent Peter McKenna described the seven new police officer's arrival as a 'very exciting day'.
"That's a massive boost to this police district and especially to those smaller communities, today is the day where they officially join the NSW police force, with all their powers and responsibilities they've learned through their training," Detective Supintendent McKenna said.
"Each of these ladies and gentlemen will be partnered with a more senior training officer, but ultimately from now on, they'll be out on the street, working day in, day out and taking on all the roles needed of them."
"I wish I could swap places with them and do it all again."
