The NSW Sheriff’s Office has welcomed 18 new Probationary Officers who have taken their oaths to protect the State’s Courts and their users across 11 regional locations and three Courthouses in Greater Sydney.
Attorney General, Mark Speakman congratulated each of the graduates at a ceremony at Sydney’s Downing Centre court complex.
“Strengthening security at major regional courthouses is critical to ensuring we can continue to protect all court users, including victims of crime, witnesses, the judiciary and the staff who support them,” Mr Speakman said.
He said four of the new Sheriff’s Officers were appointed as part of a package to help ease pressure on District Courts around the State, which included seven additional judges.
He said that while violent incidents were rare in NSW courts, the extra Sheriff’s Officers would make people feel safer and help to maintain a calm atmosphere.
Mr Speakman said 16 of the Probationary Sheriffs appointed would fill vacant positions in courthouses in regional locations ranging from Broken Hill in the far west to Nowra and Coffs Harbour on the coast.
He said the new recruits were part of a workforce of more than 280 Sheriff’s Officers responsible for court security.
NSW Sheriff, Tracey Hall said the graduates had taken part in seven weeks of rigorous training at the University of Western Sydney.
