PC James O’Callaghan, a Griffith local, is elated to be starting his career in his home town. Photo: Supplied.
Murrumbidgee Police District’s newest probationary constable, James O’Callaghan, always wanted to join and be part of the force.
“I enjoy helping people and I wanted to give back to my community,” PC O’Callaghan said.
“It [wearing the uniform for the first time] felt surreal. I had been wanting to do it for so long and then actually achieving it felt pretty good.”
The recruit signed up to be part of the force in October and spent the past four months at the NSW Police Academy before graduating alongside 96 new probationary constables, as 358 Class attested last month.
PC O’Callaghan is elated to be starting his career in his home town.
“I got to choose [where to be posted], which is good. I’m excited to start in my home town,” he said.
“I really like this place and I wanted to help make it a safer community.”
He said he had had a great first week at Griffith station and had been warmly welcomed by his new team and supervisors.
“Everyone is really nice and welcoming. I couldn’t have asked for a better team,” PC O’Callaghan said.
He encouraged people to reach out to him with questions or a request for help when needed.
His goals and aspirations within the force are either to work his way up and become a detective or join the highway patrol.
NSW Premier Chris Minns welcomed the recruits on 23 June with Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Cately and Commissioner Karen Webb.
Mr Minns thanked the PCs for the important work they would be doing protecting and serving the public.
“It is a privilege to stand with the 97 probationary constables as they begin the next chapter of their policing career,” he said.
“There will be opportunities to develop new skills, to learn from experienced officers in this new workplace, and engage with the community.”
Commissioner Webb said the new constables would be integral to keeping the NSW community safe.
“There is something special about an individual who wants to join the police and make it their career,” she said.
“We are much more than a law-enforcement agency. We are a police family, we are a crime prevention agency and a community engagement agency.”
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