Dreams have become a reality for Candice Ryall and Khala Craig, who have started their careers with the NSW Police Force in the Manning Great Lakes Police District.
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The probationary constables started work on Tuesday, August 18 and will be based out of the Taree and Forster police stations.
The duo joined about 190 other recruits in Class 342 to graduate from the police academy in Goulburn last Friday.
Prob Const Ryall, from Port Macquarie, said a career change was always on the cards. She formerly worked in disability and employment services.
"I've always wanted to be in the police force- children got in the way for a while but we then moved as soon as they got a bit older," Prob Const Ryall said.
"It's going to be a huge change, but I have worked with the community for many years."
Her focus for the first year on the job will be local youth.
"I love working with youth and the community so I'd love to get involved with the PCYC," Prob Const Ryall said.
Prob Const Craig has always wanted to join the force.
"I was in the State Emergency Service for six years, working alongside police and emergency services," Prob Const Craig said.
"I'm excited to get started."
She enjoyed the police academy experience but reiterated her desire to get to work.
"I'm keen to get out into the real world," Prob Const Craig said.
"I just want to get out in the community, meet the locals and see what it's all about."
Manning Great Lakes Police District Commander Superintendent Chris Schilt was joined by chief inspector Christine George and inspector Nick Seddon to welcome the new recruits.
"It's great to have some new people on board and it'll add to our additional complement the NSW government has been giving us over the last couple of years," Supt Schilt said.
"It gives us the opportunity to project more out to the community which is what we like to do.
"Our new officers bring us different experiences and we're looking forward to working with them."
Earlier this month three new positions were created for proactive and general duties and child protection register issues.
"We're slotting both of our new officers into some of the new positions so our numbers of police are increasing which is great news for the community," Supt Schilt said.
The new recruits will complete the associate degree in policing practice before being confirmed to the rank of constable.
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