Probationary Constable Rachel Higgins was one of 257 recruits to graduate from the Goulburn Police Academy late last year.

Born and bred in Wagga Wagga, Rachel said she has wanted to be a police officer since she was a child.

“I’ve always been keen on working in the community,” she said.

“I’m heavily involved in the community with work, sport and charity work. I’m a bit of a people person and love a chat.”

Rachel studied veterinary nursing for three years after school and then worked in the industry before deciding to join the police force.

“Through my vet nursing I saw a lot of different characters and a lot of bad things which really made me want to help people who are worse off and try and make a bit of a difference in the community,” she said.

The Central West was Rachel's second preference for placement.

“Growing up rural I wanted to stay rural,” she said.

“The Parkes community have been very welcoming. I’ve noticed when I’m downtown on patrol everyone just wants to say G’day to the police, it’s really lovely.

“You might get the odd person here or there who doesn’t want a bar of you but everyone else seems genuinely happy to say G’day and have a chat and talk about what’s going on in the community.”

Rachel said she is interested working with animals in the police force.

“Coming from a vet nursing background I’m interested in maybe doing something within the dogs one day,” she said.

“Whether it’s the drug sniffers or the bomb detectors or even weaponry, it’s something I’ll look into in the future.”  

A dog lover herself, Rachel brought her two dachshunds George and Sally to town with her.

“They came through the vet clinic as strays and I fell in love with them,” she said.

In her spare time Rachel likes to keep fit.

“I gym a lot and play every sport I can get my hands on,” she said.

“I’ve always played hockey, basketball, league tag, and touch and plan on playing as much sport as I can in Parkes.”

Central West Police District Superintendent Chris Taylor said he is very happy to welcome Rachel to the police family.

“I am confident she will be an asset to the community of Parkes,” he said.

Officer in Charge of Parkes Police Station Chief Inspector David Cooper said Probationary Constable Higgins is a welcome addition.

“She has already demonstrated that she will be an effective police officer,” he said.

“As a country girl I think she is going to fit in very well - country policing is about looking after our communities and providing a high level of service.”