New cop on the beat in Glen Innes

Nine extra probationary police officers will be dispatched to the New England region, with an extra four for Moree, two at Inverell and two at Armidale.

The Glen Innes new recruit will join a station that added an extra probationary constable in September, after another reinforcement in July.

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In total there have been 36 new police officers dispatched to the Northern Tablelands since the beginning of last year.

Local MP Adam Marshall will meet the new officers this morning in Inverell.

He congratulated the new Probationary Constables on their graduation and thanked them for their commitment to preventing and disrupting crime.

"As we enter the busy summer months these new officers will be an added boost to police resources across the electorate," Mr Marshall said.

"The new recruits will be wonderful additions to the local police 'family' and it's great to know they will be very supported by their fellow officers as well as a growing group of young officers who have arrived over the past 18 months."

Crime rates have plummeted in Glen Innes since a spike of domestic violence in 2016, which brought the town to third worst in NSW.

A Glen Innes community group is asking the state government to commit to staff the station 24 hours a day, and to hire and deploy enough cops to allow this to happen. The Glen Innes Severn Council has long called for the increased law enforcement commitment.

The Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said it was important for police to be visible as a deterrent.

"We're stepping up the numbers of police in this region and importantly, the visibility of police, to help prevent crime, not just apprehend those who perpetrate it," he said.

"To secure 36 new officers in less than two years is an enormous boost to the police ranks in our region and has contributed to falling crime rates across many communities.

"Policing can be an extremely challenging profession but with the training they've received from the academy and from what they'll learn in their local commands they'll be adequately prepared to step into this important role.

"If you happen to see our newest officers, please stop, say g'day and welcome them to our region."

The latest class, class 339, included 269 students - 182 policemen and 93 policewomen - who will complete 12 months on-the-job training and study of the associate degree in policing practice by distance education with Charles Sturt University before being confirmed to the rank of constable.

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