By MATT NICHOLLS
LONG gone are the days when men and women head straight to the police academy from high school.
To be admitted into the NSW Police Force, not only do you need to be fit, able and willing, but you also need to meet academic criteria.
Many new recruits join when they are older and more mature, rather than signing up straight after they finish their HSC exams.
That was the case for Josh Mottee and Andrew Killen, who began their posting at Armidale on Monday.
Constable Mottee, 25, moved here from Cronulla, after doing a trade following high school.
He said he chose Armidale because he had family nearby in Kempsey.
His new colleague, Constable Killen, is married and has three children – all girls – and knows Armidale well, having grown up in Inverell.
The 31-year-old was working as an accountant before he decided to join up.
On their first day, they were welcomed by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who told them to enjoy their time in Armidale.
Inspector Roger Best said new recruits were good for the station.
“Their enthusiasm can be infectious at times,” he said.
Inspector Best said the two probationary constables would be assigned a “buddy” and would received positive feedback from their senior peers.
“It’s all about making them feel as comfortable as possible so that they can do their jobs to the best of their ability.” he said.
