The ‘thin blue line’ of law and order in the region just became a little bit thicker, with the recent appointment of half a dozen new police officers to the local region.

These comprised six new probationary constables starting with Orana Mid-Western Local Police District after a formal graduation ceremony from Goulburn Police Academy earlier this month.

Four of the new officers are based in Dubbo, one in Coonamble, and one in Coonabarabran.

In more good news for the NSW Polcie Force, the statewide intake is one of the largest in recent times. “Class 364”, as it is termed, encompasses a total of 298 new probationary constables including 218 men and 30 women, the largest graduating group in a decade.

“I am delighted to welcome our newest police officers and commend them for choosing to serve our communities,” State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said.

“Their commitment to fostering a safe and thriving environment is invaluable, and we want each officer to know that their efforts are deeply appreciated,” he added.

Mr Saunders said that the central west is a great place to start their working lives.

“Policing is like no other profession.

“It is a selfless career, where officers run towards danger to protect us and the wider community, rather than the natural instinct to run in the opposite direction.”

The new recruits have all completed eight months of foundational training, with those in Orana Mid-Western Local Police District reporting to their stations in mid-December as they look to complete 12 months’ on-the-job training and study by distance education with Charles Sturt University.