New police officer welcomed to Narrabri

Narrabri has welcomed a new police officer to the local command, with Probationary Constable Ben Dawson starting at the Maitland Street station last week.

Probationary Constable Dawson is among the latest graduates to complete their training at the police academy in Goulburn.

Serving in the police force has always been an ambition for Probationary Constable Dawson.

“I thought about it straight out of high school,” he said.

“However, I wanted to get some real-life experience first.”

After completing his studies, Prob Cons Dawson undertook farm work before going into the academy at 24-years-old.

Probationary Constable Dawson was particularly pleased with his placement at Narrabri, reasonably close to his hometown of Armidale.

“Narrabri is a busy town. I’m enjoying meeting the locals,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience at the police academy, Probationary Constable Dawson described it as an intense four months. COVID restrictions at the academy meant that recruits are unable to leave the site. However, Prob Cons Dawson is confident the effort will be worth it.

He will now spend the next few years focused on general duties.

Probationary Constable Dawson said he wanted to focus on the groundwork and finding his feet first before deciding on a path in the police force.

Chief Inspector Robert Dunn welcomed Probationary Constable Dawson to the command and was confident he will be a great addition to the Narrabri command.

“It is always exciting to welcome new graduates to the police force. I’m particularly pleased to see that Probationary Constable Dawson is settling well into the community,” Chief Inspector Dunn said.

“Narrabri is full of wonderful people and I hope Probationary Constable Dawson enjoys his time here.”