Eight new probationary constables were welcomed to the St George Local Area Command on Friday, May 29 by NSW Premier and Kogarah MP Chris Minns.

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He was joined by Rockdale MP Steve Kamper, Georges River Councillor and Labor candidate for Oatley Elaina Anzellotti, Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Field Operations Peter McKenna and Acting Superintendent Graham Hibbs in welcoming the new recruits,

Since the constables took the oath of office at the Goulburn Police Academy on May 1 they have already been involved in major police operations. Several of the constables attended the scene of the triple fatality at Sans Souci last weekend.

"What stands out with this group is the diversity they bring," Acting Superintendent Grahame Hibbs said.

This includes constables who speak French, Burmese and Arabic. Two have degrees in criminology, another holds a Bachelor of Policing and a Diploma in Social Science and another an Honours degree in Forensic Science.

"It strengthens how we connect with the community, how we solve problems and how we police in the modern environment," Superintendent Hibbs said.

"We're proud of our people and we're proud of the work they do every day ensuring that the communities within the St George Police Area Command, the community that you are so proud of, are kept safe and secure," he said.

Welcoming the new constables, Mr Minns spoke of the support he has received from the senior leadership of NSW Police during difficult times.

"I think you are joining a wonderful command. I say that as a resident and as the local Member of Parliament," Mr Minns said.

"It's a difficult job and we recognise the burden that is on your shoulders. I've been Premier for three-and-a-half years and during that period the hardest parts of the job have been terrorism events, serious crimes and natural disasters.

"When you take on the job nothing prepares you for the responsibilities I have. Bracing yourself for a big media conference and a counter-terrorism meeting following the Bondi crime on the 14th of December, the way I got through that was seeing the professionalism, dedication and calmness of the senior leadership of the NSW Police.

"They had a job to do and knew it would be difficult. There was not a sense of panic or unease from any member. Not only were they ready for the challenge but they had broad shoulders.

"When it is the toughest, when your backs are genuinely against the wall and when the critics are at their loudest, that's when they support you. So I hope you can take that with you from this room and out into the streets, serving our community.

"Yes, there's going to be loud voices that don't like what you do or say, but the house next door and the one next door to that, they are with you. They will call you when they are in need and they will be there when you're in need. We're full of awe and find it inspiring that young people and mid-career people have committed their professional lives to this wonderful job. I think you're joining the best police force in the world," he said.