A FORMER Dean Street bouncer has become one of two new recruits at Albury police.
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Probationary constables Luke Watson and Damien Howells had their first day on the beat yesterday after graduating from the NSW Police Force College in Goulburn on Friday.
Constable Watson, 24, moved to Albury from Echuca about five years ago and worked as a security guard at city nightspots before signing up to become a policeman.
He said the diversity and unpredictability of police work had appealed to him.
“You never know what to expect,” Constable Watson, a boxer in his spare time, said.
“One minute it’s all quiet and then bang, it’s on.”
Constable Howells also hails from Albury, moving to the Border from Tasmania with his mother a couple of years ago to finish school.
The former Xavier High School student, 21, said he hadn’t wanted an office job.
“I just prefer to be outside,” he said.
“And I’ve always liked ... the way that police are respected.”
Constable Howells, who worked as a retail assistant after finishing school, said he expected alcohol and youth crime to be challenges he would face as a policeman in Albury.
“But I suppose you take it one step at a time,” he said.
The pair, who both requested to be stationed in Albury after field placements in the city, hoped their age would help them connect with other young people in the community.
Constable Howells took eight months to graduate, while Constable Watson performed 12 months’ training via distance education.
Albury police chief Supt Gary Commins welcomed the recruits.
“It’s good to have new people on board and we look forward to them serving the community,” he said.
“We wish them well.”
The new constables will be on probation for the next 12 months.
