Source : Perth Now news
Hundreds of wide-eyed recruits have joined the ranks of a police force under scrutiny over its preparations and actions on the day of the Bondi terrorist attack.
NSW Police held its largest attestation ceremony in 13 years on Friday as 349 probationary constables joined the force’s ranks at the academy in Goulburn.
The organisation the recruits are entering was questioned on Thursday for how it handled security arrangements for the Hanukkah event targeted by terrorists in the Bondi Beach attack.
The interim report for the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion outlined how police sent officers to the site for less time than requested despite being warned of an increased risk of a terror attack.
The Jewish security group which organised the logistics for the event told police the risk of anti-Semitic activity was heightened due to the visibility of the beachside festival.
Police command planned to send “a car crew or two” for less than the entire length of the event to ensure the community felt safe, the report found.
Despite the scrutiny over whether the threat was taken seriously enough, Police Minister Yasmin Catley told reporters after Friday’s ceremony she was proud of the police response at Bondi.
“The Royal Commission and the interim report really highlighted how important police’s role is,” Ms Catley said.
“Police were there, they did an outstanding job … two of our officers nearly lost their life protecting the community.”
Ms Catley said the government would accept the findings in the report, including that NSW Police should implement higher security protocols at more Jewish community events.
With more policing at events called for by the royal commission, an emphasis on recruitment and retention will likely remain a priority for the state.
Measures including paying recruits throughout their training and allowing regional recruits to work in their hometown have bolstered once-flagging numbers, Ms Catley said.
Alongside the 13-year-high in attestations, Friday also marked the beginning of the force’s first cadetship program in nearly 50 years.
Nine cadets aged 17 or 18 will be posted at Sydney stations for one year of paid experience learning on the job.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the work of boosting police numbers, particularly in the regions, was already bearing fruit.
“Crime rates are down across regional New South Wales,” Mr Lanyon said.
“But we’re not going to stop at that, we want to make it even safer.”
