The NSW Government and NSW Police Force have unveiled a new recruitment initiative aimed at encouraging more people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to join the police force, with a pilot program set to begin in South-West Sydney.
The program, titled Be a Cop in Your Community, will be trialled across Auburn, Burwood, Cumberland and Liverpool. These areas were selected due to their cultural diversity and ongoing demand for local policing. The initiative allows probationary constables, after completing their training at the Police Academy, to return and serve in the communities they know best.
Officials say the approach is designed to strengthen local ties, improve communication, and support a workforce that more closely reflects the population it serves. The initiative also aims to widen access to policing as a career, particularly for people who may not have previously considered it.
The program builds on the earlier Be a Cop in Your Hometown initiative, which has already seen more than 120 officers return to serve in their local communities. It forms part of a wider set of workforce measures, including paid training for recruits and recent increases in police wages and conditions.
According to the NSW Government, these changes are already having an impact, with applications to join the NSW Police Force rising by 70 per cent. Around 1,000 new officers joined in 2025, with a further 350 expected to be sworn in during the next intake.
Alongside recruitment efforts, the Government has also expanded the number of Multicultural Liaison Officers and Senior Multicultural Liaison Officers. These roles are intended to help improve engagement between police and culturally diverse communities, and support more effective communication across different groups.
The broader strategy also includes investments in policing tools and infrastructure, such as expanded drone capability and legislative updates to support frontline operations.
A targeted marketing and community engagement campaign will accompany the rollout of the new recruitment initiative. The campaign is designed to reach culturally and linguistically diverse communities and encourage more people to consider policing as a viable and accessible career path.
Premier Chris Minns said the program offers an opportunity for people in South-West Sydney to take on a new challenge while contributing to their local area.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the initiative creates pathways into a stable and meaningful career, particularly for communities in rapidly growing regions. She noted the importance of having police officers who understand the communities they serve.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the Government is working to remove barriers to entry into policing and provide more support for recruits, including paid training and improved conditions. She said these steps are helping to attract more applicants and place officers where they are needed.
Corporate Services Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith highlighted the cultural diversity of South-West Sydney, describing it as the most diverse region in the state. He said representation within the police force plays an important role in building trust and strengthening relationships with the community.
The pilot will be closely monitored as part of the Government’s broader effort to assess recruitment strategies and workforce development across the police force.
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