Port Macquarie's Charles Sturt University campus is hosting the first residential phase for students studying the Associate Degree in Policing Practice.
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Thirty five students attended the first day of the program on Friday.
The decision means participants in the course are not required to travel and stay in Goulburn.
Commander of the NSW Police Academy, Chief Superintendent Rod Smith, said the decision to host a residential component in Port Macquarie would help participants overcome some hurdles.
"Traditionally, we would hold two, 16 week sessions in Goulburn for the ADPP course," Chief Supt Smith said.
"However, by providing session one of the online course over 32 weeks and the residential component here on Port Macquarie's CSU campus, it enables candidates to remain closer to home where they can maintain their work commitments.
"This also helps in reducing travelling to Goulburn, which is a challenge for those from further afield.
"Students here for the residential part of the course will participate in mostly practical scenarios while the online component covers law investigations and decision-making."
As well, the academy has commenced integrating interactive video components from Goulburn into the Port Macquarie campus.
Executive dean at CSU, Professor Tracey Green was quietly confident the trial would be successful.
"CSU is looking for opportunities to run residential schools here in Port Macquarie but also at other regional sites," she said.
"This is a great initiative. We will have more people coming through the CSU campus in Port Macquarie, which has good financial benefits for the local business community.”
