Short 1500 officers, NSW Police launches poaching campaign
NSW Police is short by 1500 officers and is now turning to other states and countries for recruits.
The New South Wales government has today launched a head-hunting campaign to poach police officers and recruits from other states, and even New Zealand.
The launch of the campaign comes with several changes, including slashing the eight-month course for recruits down to three at the Goulburn Police Academy.
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The New South Wales government has today launched a head-hunting campaign to poach police officers and recruits from other states, and even from New Zealand. Nine
Experienced officers can now transfer into the NSW Police Force without losing their rank.
"We have seen a lot of interest from other jurisdictions already and now the door is open," Police Commissioner Karen Webb said.
The minimum age for recruits will be lowered from 19 to 18.
Another challenge facing NSW Police is keeping the officers they recruit. Almost 2500 constables and 700 sergeants quit the force over the last four years.
"It can be a very difficult job, it's not an easy profession, but it is rewarding," Premier Chris Minns said.
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The NSW Police Force is short by 1500 officers and is now turning to other states and countries for recruits. Nine
The campaign comes as Jack's Law is tabled in parliament today, meaning more boots are needed on the ground as NSW Police are granted wanding powers.
It means officers will be able to randomly search members of the public for knives in crowded places where there's been a serious weapon offence in the past 12 months.
The opposition is expected to pass the legislation, but not without concerns.
"Why do we have to wait for a violent knife crime to occur before action is taken," opposition police spokesperson Paul Toole said.
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