There's a new cop on the block with fresh graduate Amanda Campbell assigned as a probationary constable to the Mid North Coast.
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Originally from Port Macquarie, Campbell was the only graduate assigned to the Mid North Coast Police District after graduating from Goulburn Police Academy on May 3.
Officer Campbell was one of 261 new probationary constables in Class 337 to join the ranks of the NSW Police Force, and one of 85 policewomen.
"I began the process in April last year, did my first six months distance education and in January this year I moved down to the academy before graduating in May," she said.
"Obviously all the theory and laws I had to learn was quite full on and the practical side of it was really good too.
"I definitely feel lucky (to be placed back home), I know there was quite a few people fighting for the area."
Officer Campbell said she was excited to be back with family in Port Macquarie, although being placed at home could be a double-edged sword.
"It's good and bad, it's great that I was placed back here with my family and I know the area but sometimes they say its better to work somewhere other than where you live," she said.
"Living in Port Macquarie and working in Kempsey gives me that balance."
Based in Kempsey, Const Campbell will now undertake 12 months on-the-job training and studying before officially graduating as a Constable with an associate degree in Policing Practice.
The former real estate property manager said joining the police force was something she'd been thinking about for a while.
"I knew about what was involved and the idea of having something different everyday really appealed to me rather than doing the mundane which I had been doing for so long," she said.
"At the moment I am basically dealing with people, helping them out in the worst day of their lives by helping them and solving their problems.
"It's very satisfying."
Port Macquarie police chief inspector Mick Aldridge said Const Campbell was going well since starting work earlier this month and would have three assessments later this year.
"The first year of general duties is the front lines of policing and attending everyday calls," he said.
"She's going well and adapting to policing, which is not something easy to do.
"She has excellent communication, she has life experiences and she brings those experiences to the workplace.
"Noticeably those experiences will benefit her in the long run.
"It's a difficult year with the study and learning on the job, so it's very important that in this and future years she applies herself to the work she has to do."
As part of the graduation NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, Governor of NSW Margaret Beasley, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliot were in attendance to inspect graduates on May 3.
"Today (May 3) marks the end of the first chapter in these new officer's policing careers, however it also represents the start of the next chapter," said NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller.
"To uphold the values of the NSW Police Force takes hard work, dedication and commitment, and all these new officers have demonstrated they have the drive to succeed."
