Both have commenced duties at the police station after recently attesting at the NSW Police Academy.

Probationary Constable Josh Parr, 25, was born in England, but grew up in Westbury in northern Tasmania, a small town with a population of about 2000 people.

He relocated to Canberra in 2011 to undertake tertiary studies in law and forensics. 

Probationary Constable Parr felt strongly about wanting to be a police officer, so completed his studies at the NSW Police Academy.

He was always interested in criminal justice. Probationary Constable Parr said he would often read through old public cases, and hoped one day to be a detective. 

Becoming a detective is a difficult process.

It requires a certain level of technical skill, thoroughness, a keen eye and attention to detail. 

Probationary Constable Parr seems ready for the challenge.

He has already revived something of a family tradition, with his great-grandfather also served in the state’s constabulary.

“I am looking forward to working in [general duties] and helping the Queanbeyan community,” he said. 

“In the long term I would like to become a detective or possibly move into prosecutions.”

Probationary Constable Anthony Ferri, 26, comes from Shellharbour, where he was a fitter and turner, and has a young family.

“I always wanted to be a police officer from when I was little,” Probationary Constable Ferri said.

“My family strongly supported me in following my dream to join the NSW police force.”

He said he would like to ultimately pursue a police career in weapons and tactics training.

He would also seriously consider specialising as a highway patrolman. 

Both officers will now complete 12 months’ probation. 

This will include a series of tests encompassing field-based jobs and preparing briefs of evidence. 

At the end of this period, both officers will have a completed a duty book and graduate to the rank of Constable.

Monaro officers have eagerly welcomed both probationary constables Parr and Ferri to the job as they are entering the Monaro Police District at a time of critical need for staff. 

However, locals will be pleased to learn, the Monaro Police District was their first choice of location.

They are likely to be the last new officers welcomed into the Farrer Place police station as plans for a new premises develop.