Today was the start of a new career for five newly graduated Probationary Constables at Richmond District Police headquarters in Zadoc Street.

Douglas Woodhouse, Sam Cornish, Mitch Dempsey, Brodie Roberts and Adam Parlby left the Goulburn Academy on Friday to start their new jobs in Lismore today.

During their first induction meeting this morning the "Probies" as they are called were gaining an understanding of what is expected of them over the next three years being based in Lismore.

For the next 6 weeks the Probationary Constables will be working with two others officers, including their training officer, to introduce them to general duties police officer work. If all goes well they will move to working with just the training officer until the 12 month mark.

Like any apprentice the Probies will be observed undertaking certain tasks like break & enter or a motor vehicle accident and gradually increase their responsibilities to take the lead role during their general duty phase of their career.

All the new recruits are close or relatively close to home coming from the GC, Tweed, Kingscliff, Casino and Coffs Harbour. Now, it's a matter of settling in and finding a place to live for some while others commute to and from work.

The backgrounds of the class of 2020 are varied with some having a family history of being in the police force or military while another was a qualified mechanic who wanted more of a challenge and a publican who at 36 decided to not work 60 hours a week and help the community.

That is the overriding reason for joining the police force for all of the new Probationary Constables, to help the community.

They said how they wanted to make a good impression, not only with their fellow officers but also with us in the community and acknowledge the responsibility that goes with that intention. "One mistake can have a dramatic impact on someone's life," Probationary Constable Adam Parlby said, "It is remembering our training at key times and putting yourselves in other people's shoes. Treating everyone like you would treat your mum."

With that said, you can see we will be in good hands with the new police officers that have hit the Richmond District Police force today.