21 June 2024

New push to get Griffith-born recruits to work at local police station as constables visit Beelbangera school

| Oliver Jacques
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Griffith police in front of finger painting

Griffith Police Constables Jess Davidson and Loai Osman enjoyed their time during a recent visit to Beelbangera Primary School for First Responders Day. Photo: Murrumbidgee Police District.

In a busy month for Griffith Police, a new campaign has started to get those raised locally to become police officers here. Meanwhile, two constables were a hit at Beelbangera Public School and residents will have the opportunity to have coffee with some cops at Griffin Plaza.

Be a cop in your hometown campaign

Griffith has been identified as a priority area for a new state police force campaign to attract those raised in this region to work at the local station.

In the past, young Griffith residents who went through the police academy were often required to work in Sydney or elsewhere across the state, even if they wanted to stay in their hometown.

Griffith-based applicants will now be able to identify their preferred placement locations and will be told at the time of acceptance where they will be placed, removing uncertainty about moving long distances.

“We can offer someone a whole career in the Murrumbidgee – you don’t have to go to the city,” Griffith Superintendent Ray Stynes said.

Ray Stynes in office

Superintendent Ray Stynes. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

Placements will still be subject to operational requirements and background checks.

“We know that becoming a police officer and moving away from home can be a big ask, especially if you have family and enjoy where you live,” a spokesperson said.

“When you join NSW Police, you can identify where you would like to work – such as where you and your family live now – and have confidence about where you’ll be working once you become a police officer. You can start your career with NSW Police, and as long as there’s nothing that would prevent you from living in your hometown, stay connected with your community.”

More information on recruitment can be found on the NSW Police website.

READ ALSO Police Medal recipient on taking Griffith’s top job, ‘crime wave’ perceptions and the world’s best career

Police visit Beelbangera Public School

The benefits of becoming a police officer were sold to Beelbangera Public School last week, when Constables Jess Davidson and Loai Osman spoke to students as part of First Responders Day, a national appreciation day for those who help people during emergencies.

Inspector Glenn Smith said the principal of the school invited the police to attend.

“It wasn’t long before they guys found themselves swamped by lines of kids wanting to play with the sirens and ask the guys lots of questions about policing and how to join,” Inspector Smith said.

“The constables shared a few exciting stories with the kids and a few lucky kids got to sit in the driver’s seat of the police truck.”

The officers have asked if they can go back next year to talk to the kids, as they had such a good time.

Coffee with a Cop – Thursday 27 June

On Thursday (27 June) Murrumbidgee Police District will be hosting Coffee with a Cop at the Griffin Plaza. Members of the public can visit from 10 am onwards to ask questions and have a chat. Attendees receive a free cuppa in an initiative supported by Bella’s Cafe and Kami Coffee.

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