Deputy Chief Minister Willem Westra van Holthe attended the Darwin graduation ceremony and said 18 of the 28 recruits who graduated would be making Katherine their new home.

“It is a pleasure to be here to witness the graduation of Recruit Squad 125, who have completed 27 weeks of training and successfully completed their Diploma of Public Safety (Policing),” Mr Westra van Holthe said.

“The Northern Territory environment presents unique challenges to police in comparison to other jurisdictions, and it is crucial that the Northern Territory Police force have the resources to be able to keep the people of the Territory safe."

Following the graduation ceremony, Mr Westra van Holthe announced that the upcoming budget would include $8.7 million to recruit another 38 police officers, which will deliver on the Country Liberal Party government’s 2012 commitment to get another 120 bodies on the beat during the current term.

As a former police officer, Mr Westra van Holthe said he was certain the Katherine-bound recruits would have a positive impact on the community.

“I have no doubt that the work done by all 28 graduates will be invaluable to the Territory,” he said.

“I wish each graduate every success for the future as they embark on the next stage of their career.”