Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

Q - What is the minimum age to apply for the Queensland Police Service?
A – While there is no set minimum age at which you can apply to join the Queensland Police Service, there are a number of pre-requisites that you must have obtained prior to submitting an application (eg: education and driver licence requirements etc. Please read the links which outline all pre-requisites). Due to these pre-requisites, it is highly likely that an applicant will be at least 19 years of age before meeting the requirements for entry into training. It should be noted that the average age of recruits is approximately 26 – 28 years. Further, there is an expectation that you possess and demonstrate certain social maturity as part of the assessment/selection process.

Q - What is the retirement age? 
A - Police Officers are required to retire upon reaching 60 years of age. Voluntary retirement is available from the age of 55 years progressing through until 60 years.

Q- Where will I get posted? 
A – Upon successful completion of the PROVE or PACE program, you must be prepared to serve at any police station/establishment throughout the State. During recruit training, PROVE recruits will be asked to nominate the Policing Districts in which they would prefer to be posted. However, there are no guarantees that you will receive your choice of location as you will be placed based on operational requirements. Once you complete your first tenure period, (usually 3 years after completion of the First Year Constable program) you may apply for transfer to another policing District within Queensland.

PACE recruits are provided advice about their first District/Region preferences prior to commencing training. The District/Region allocation is provided in the appointment letter.

Q – How often does the Queensland Police Service recruit?
A – At the present time, the recruit intakes are run every two months at the Oxley Queensland Police Service Academyand generally two intakes per year at the Townsville Queensland Police Service Academy. Intake numbers may vary due to service needs at the time.

There are no ‘cut-off’ dates for your application, as it is a rolling recruitment process.  The recruitment process can take as little as 3 months from the time you submit your application. However, the process may be protracted should the Service require further information, in particular, (but not limited to) police clearance certificates, and / or protracted integrity assessments. Consequently, the time frame may extend beyond 6 months as an applicants suitability is determined on their individual circumstances.

Q – How long until I can apply for specialised areas (eg: SERT, Dog Squad, Scenes of Crime)?
A – Once your First Year Constable training is complete, you must then continue in a General Duties capacity for approximately 3 to 5 years prior to making application for a specialised area. This is to ensure that you are competent in all areas of general duties policing prior to moving into a specialised capacity.

Police officers may have to compete on merit for such specialist positions with the officer having to demonstrate the potential to successfully perform the duties involved.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIRMENTS

Q – I have just completed Year 12; what do I have to do to become a police officer?
A - You will need to successfully complete study within a diploma or degree course.
Bachelor degree studies can be undertaken in a wide range of undergraduate courses. Suggested disciplines include, (but are not limited to) sociology, psychology, law, commerce, economics, management and business.  Degree courses that focus specifically on the criminal justice system are also available at several university campuses. Diploma level courses are offered by numerous accredited training providers, e.g. TAFE colleges. Studies in the Diploma of Justice Administration, Diploma of Business or Diploma of Management are considered to be particularly suitable for the professional development of police officers.

A broad range of life experience will also be essential when applying to become a police officer. The life experience component includes:
• The level of work experience undertaken;
• The level of study completed; and
• Outside interests and community/volunteer work - for example involvement with organisations such as Drug Arm, SES, Surf Life Saving, Red Cross door knocks, meals on wheels, volunteering for any charity organisation, learning a second language, travelling to different locations to expand your outlook on life, coast guard training and so on.

Q – I am on my Learners Permit; does that matter?
A - It is recommended that if you have not already applied for your Queensland driver licence you should do so as soon as possible. At present, the minimum requirement is to have a current Australian Provisional driver licence that has been held for at least 12 months, as well as having completed the Drive Vehicle Course (TLIC107C), or be on your Australian Open driver licence.

Q - I am a mature age applicant. Do I need tertiary study? What are the best courses for me to do?
A – Yes, you will still need to meet the minimum 200 hours of tertiary-based and accredited study. The 200 hours of diploma level study should contain assignment based assessments which involve researching, problem solving, proven literacy and analytical ability. Diploma level courses are offered by various Vocational, Education and Training sector providers. Some examples of subjects that will count towards the 200 hours of Diploma study are subjects from the Diploma of Justice Administration or Diploma of Business/Management. These courses/subjects are considered to be particularly suitable for the professional development of police officers and people seeking employment in business and justice-related occupations.

Some TAFE Colleges offer a 200 hour Justice Administration short course which include Level IV and/or V subjects from the Diploma of Justice Administration. This course is generally part-time and is conducted over 20 weeks, 2 nights per week. For further details regarding this short course, you would need to contact your local TAFE College or registered training organisation.

Q - Why do I need to complete diploma or degree study to apply to become a police officer?
A - Tertiary education provides an opportunity to develop further knowledge, skills and abilities.  The higher your education level the more competitive you may be in the psychometric assessment component of the selection process.  The skills and abilities you develop through education are required for you to be successful in the PROVE program at the Queensland Police Service Academy.  The PROVE program prepares recruits with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the role of an operational police officer.

Q - I have completed a Certificate IV in Health and Fitness, why is this not enough to cover my educational qualifications?
A – Generally speaking, Certificate IV qualifications do not meet the education requirements. However, some of the subjects within a Certificate IV may be Diploma level subjects and may count towards the minimum education requirement (this is sometimes the case with higher level business and management subjects within a Certificate IV). When submitting your application, it will be necessary to include an academic transcript indicating the results of each subject completed, the level of the subject and number of study hours completed for each subject for the Certificate IV qualification.

Please phone POLICE RECRUITING on (07) 3364 8000 if you have concerns as to whether your tertiary course (whether completed or not yet commenced) will meet our requirements.
 
Q - I have been a full-time parent, will this count toward my work experience?
A – Yes, if you have been a stay-at-home parent, this will also be included as full-time work.

Q - Will the part-time work I did while at school count towards my employment experience?
A – No. Any part-time or casual work done while at school will not count towards the required amount of full-time employment experience. Only employment completed after school will count towards this requirement.

Q - I am about to start my 200 hours of diploma study, should I submit my application now or when I complete the study?
A - If you submit an application and do not meet the minimum education requirements, your application will not proceed. Therefore, you will need to complete the required study prior to submitting an application. You will need to provide proof of study and results when available.

Q- I have completed an apprenticeship - will I meet the education requirement?
A- No. Trade certificates and apprenticeships do not meet the education requirement. Further tertiary based study will be required before you can be considered for entry to the Queensland Police Service.

ACADEMY LIFE

Q - Do I have to live-in at the Academy?
A - The PROVE Program is not a compulsory live-in course.  However, accommodation may be available for persons who normally reside outside of the greater Brisbane Metropolitan area. Accommodation requests are assessed on a needs basis and subject to room availability.

Q – How do I apply for accommodation at the academy? 
A – Applying for accommodation on-site at either of the Oxley or Townsville Academies is very simple. On being appointed as a recruit, you will be sent a ‘Request to Live In’ form where you nominate if accommodation is required.

Q - Can I defer my application/appointment  if I am accepted to the academy?
A – Yes. However, you may only defer until the next available intake. Entry to both of the Queensland Police Service Academies is competitive and as a consequence, more than one deferral is not an accepted practice. As appointments are based on merit, there are no guarantees you will be appointed to the next intake.

Q- How much does it cost a fortnight to stay at the Academy?
A - Accommodation at the Oxley Academy is $50.00 per fortnight for lodging where you can choose a light meal option (Continental breakfast and dinner) for $124.80 per fortnight, or $138.40 per fortnight for a hot breakfast and dinner. Townsville is $50.00 per fortnight for accommodation and $200.00 per fortnight for meals. These costs may vary without notice.

Q - What shifts do you work at the academy?
A - You are contracted to work rostered timetables usually commencing at 7.45am sharp and finishing at 4pm. Also you will be required to attend rostered ‘Parade Practice’ at 7:00am on several mornings and compulsory lectures after hours, up to 6pm or as late as 9pm. This does not happen often and you will be given enough time to prepare for these situations.

Q - How much is a recruit paid a fortnight? 
A – At present, a recruit earns 70% of a First Year Constable base salary (approximately $1,243.55 gross per fortnight as of 1/07/2009). Every year after induction, you will have the opportunity to move up a pay point (subject to conditions – entering the Constable Development Program and successfully completing each year, or alternatively completing Competency Acquisition Program books to attain the required points to progress) and thereby increase your earnings. Refer to the salaries as listed in the recruiting / police website.

Q - What shifts will I be required to work when I complete the academy training and start duty at my station?
A - You will be required to work a 24 hour rotational roster based on a 38 hour working week. Night-work, weekend work, including working on public holidays may be a requirement within this roster. The roster will also incorporate a Programmed Day Off each month as well as four Rest Days per fortnight.

Q – I have heard you get paid an Operational Shift Allowance – what does that entail?
A – The Operational Shift Allowance is an “all up” payment in lieu of shift and weekend penalty units, public holiday rates, and annual leave loading. This OSA is an additional 21% and is a fortnightly allowance that shall be paid to Police Officers who equitably participate in a two or three-shift roster over seven days per week. In addition, any officer on the OSA who works a nightshift starting between 6pm and 2am is entitled to an additional 15% Night Operational Shift Allowance (NOSA) for each such shift.

Non-OSA workers (“day workers”) who work afternoon or night shifts or on weekends or public holidays are paid the relevant Award penalty rates for each such shift.

OVERSEAS APPLICANTS

Q – I am a citizen of and live in the United Kingdom. Do I need a Permanent Residency status to join?
A - Yes. Please refer to www.immi.gov.au for further information about migration to this country.

Q – Can I apply first and wait on my Australian permanent residency to come through?
A – No. An applicant cannot undergo any testing until they have proof of Australian permanent residency status.

CIVILIAN JOBS

Q - I do not want to become a police officer but would like to work as a civilian for the Queensland Police Service; how do I apply for any civilian jobs?
A - You can apply for civilian positions within the Queensland Police Service by visiting www.jobs.qld.gov.au and typing ‘Police’ in the search field. This link will then bring up all available civilian positions for the Queensland Police Service. New jobs are posted every Friday so it's worth keeping an eye on the site.  Alternatively, you may care to register with one of the employment agencies as identified in the above website.

HEALTH

Q - I am colour-blind - can I still be accepted into the Queensland Police Service?
A – Colour vision is an inherent occupational requirement of an operational police officer.  General duties police officers are regularly required to identify and detain persons of interest, vehicles, provide evidence/intelligence etc. relying primarily on colour related information.  For example, "Be on the lookout for a male person wearing black baggy trousers, red shirt with the number 11 in white on the front, blue cap, green back pack" or "a maroon station wagon with roof racks" etc.  As with many policing duties, time is of the essence and officers must be able to respond quickly and accurately identify suspect persons and vehicles especially in situations which may be life threatening.

Q – I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – can I still apply?
A – Current Queensland Police Service policy is that a person must not be on medication for a period of two years and must not have a psychiatric illness.  If your condition has been stable without medication for 2 years and is not causing you acute problems associated with the disorder then you can apply.  Serious consideration would need to be given to the events that caused the PTSD and whether you may come up against similar events in the Police Service.  At the time of application it may be helpful for you to include a report from your treating Doctor and treating Psychiatrist/Psychologist summarising your medical assessment which would include your diagnosis, treatment, opinion as to current psychological wellbeing and prognosis for the future. The Pre Employment Medical Service (PEMS) may care to discuss this information with you during any subsequent medical examination.

Q – I currently take asthma medication.  Can I still apply?
A - Not if the medication is taken for the treatment or prevention of asthma.  If you take medication for something other than asthma, you will be considered individually.  Many adults who were asthmatic as children continue to take medication even though they no longer have asthma.  If you believe you may be in this category, the PEMS can provide you with individual advice about how to proceed.

Q - I currently have asthma.  Will this be an issue?
A - It is very unlikely that you will be medically suitable, if the diagnosis is correct.  As a general duties police officer you will be required to undertake significant exercise or exertion without warning and without the opportunity to use inhalers.  You will be required to perform your duties in a wide range of climatic and atmospheric conditions that might provoke an asthma attack. 

Q - I had childhood asthma.  Can I get into the service?
A- You would be considered if you have been symptom/treatment free during the past two years and your asthma has not impaired your ability to exercise.  Please note that "treatment" includes those people who take a puff of Ventolin before exercising "just in case".

Q - I have had knee/shoulder replacement surgery. Will this prevent me from being medically suitable?
A - It will depend on the current condition of the joint.  The PEMS will need a report from your specialist stating the current strength and mobility of the affected joint.  It will depend on the length of time that has elapsed since the operation and whether there has been any issue since the injury/operation.  Generally, the longer it has been since an operation and the more physically active you have been over time, may increase your chance of success. A report from your treating specialist may not be necessary if it has been more than five years since your surgery and you are engaged in regular intense physical activity.

Q - I am not very tall.  What is the minimum height required?
A – Whilst there is no height restriction, applicants must be able to undertake the physical requirements associated with the operational requirements of a general duties officer.

Q - My Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30. Will this prevent me from being successful during the recruitment process?
A – The PEMS will decide if a person’s weight may be an issue. BMI is used as a guide.  Obese people are more likely to be injured during training, so if a weight problem exists, you may be asked to lose weight and follow an exercise program to increase your physical fitness. Subject to achieving a ‘target weight’ you may be passed as medically fit even if your BMI is high.

Q - I have schizophrenia and  take medication for this condition. Can I still apply?
A –Unfortunately it is highly unlikely you would meet the medical entry standards as Schizophrenia is a chronic illness for which there is no cure, only treatment. 

Q - Can I take blood pressure medication and still apply?
A - Yes, provided it is not one of the types of medication that limits your ability to exercise.

Q - I have some loss of hearing. Will this be an issue?
A – You may be required to have an assessment done by an Audiologist to ascertain the extent of the hearing loss. The PEMS may conduct practical tests where deemed necessary. If you use a hearing aid and you pass the tests, then you will be required to wear the aid whilst on duty.

Q - I have epilepsy.  Can I get into the service?
A – Seizures would need to have ceased a long time ago and you would need to have been off medication for some period. Further, you would need to have an EEG that shows no evidence of abnormal activity following sleep. This condition would need to be discussed with the PEMS.

Q - I have diabetes.  Will this effect my application?
A - If you have Type II (NON-insulin-dependent) diabetes you may be considered provided your:

• blood sugar levels are well-controlled;
• glycosylated haemoglobin level is normal;
 and you do not take medication that might cause hypoglycaemic attacks.

If you have Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes you may be at particular risk due to the unpredictable nature of police duties which can restrict opportunities for regular exercise or create the need for sustained and unexpected exercise.

Applicants with Type 1 Diabetes are suitable for entry to the QPS only if they meet all of the following criteria:
• They use a device which delivers insulin in a way that is responsive to blood sugar (ie: continuous delivery pumps including implantable pumps);
• There is no history of hypoglycaemic episodes while using the abovementioned device;
• Glycosylated haemoglobin level is normal; and
• Suffer no complications of diabetes that would prevent the person recognising hypoglycaemia.
On receipt of your response to the criteria, your medical file will again be referred to the PEMS for further review.

STAFF MEMBER PATHWAY

Q - What can I apply to be exempt from?
A – You can apply for an exemption (or part exemption) towards the minimum 200 hours tertiary based education requirements.

Q - How do I get the exemption?
A - You must send an email to the Recruiting Section with a list of your employment history and information about all courses (internal and external) you have completed. It would be beneficial to list any skills or knowledge you have obtained during your employment with the Service; eg: QPrime.

Q - Will the exemption be granted automatically?
A – No. Each application will be judged on its own merit and you may be eligible for a full or partial exemption, depending on your length of employment with the Queensland Police Service and any courses you may have completed. There is no guarantee of being granted an exemption.

Q - What do I do if I am granted an exemption?
A - You will need to complete a PROVE application and submit it to the Recruiting Section so that the application can be attached to the approved exemption. These combined documents will form part of the PROVE application process.

ADF PATHWAY

Q - I’ve worked for the ADF and see that you have new education exemptions.  Am I exempt?
A – Substantive Sergeant/Petty Officer (or equivalent) and higher will receive automatic exemption for the minimum 200 hours of tertiary-based study.

If you presently hold the rank of substantive Corporal/ Leading Seaman or below, you may apply for an education exemption (either in part or full) in the following method:
• Complete the ADF Education Exemption Form or alternatively you can contact Police Recruiting for the exemption form.
• Attach your latest 2 evaluation reports.
• Include a copy of your latest medical examination results (if available) attach your complete record of training/service including results of promotional examinations.
• Any other documents that may assist in your application for recognition of ADF service in lieu of 200 hours tertiary study.

The extent of the education exemption will be dependant upon your rank, period of service, courses undertaken and experience while a member of the ADF.

All ADF personnel must have a minimum of 4 years service and must not have been discharged for greater than 5 years.

Q - Does the QPS recognise other government service (Australian Commonwealth, State, Local) for the carryover of entitlements?
A – Provided that any of your previous service in the Australian Commonwealth, States or Territories was continuous or where there was a break in any of your previous service and the break was not in excess of twelve months, the previous service will be recognised for the purpose of long service leave and sick leave accruals. Limitations apply in the case of sick leave credits.

Q - Does the Queensland Police Service allow duty in the Defence Reserves?
A - Yes, subject to operational requirements. The state government is an active supporter of the Defence Reserves.

PREVIOUS POLICE OFFICER APPLYING – PACE Program

Q - What amount of service must I have to be eligible for the PACE Program?
A - Applicants are required to have some sworn service, within the five years immediately prior to the intake date to be considered for the PACE program.

Q - How many intakes per year are there?
A - Two to Three. All training for the PACE Program is undertaken at the Queensland Police Service Academy, located in Oxley which is a south western suburb of Brisbane.

Q - How long is the PACE Program?
A - Approximately 18 Weeks.

Q - Do I have to live at the Academy during the course?
A – No, applicants must apply to live at the Academy. Accommodation is based on availability and a needs basis. Preference will be given to persons who normally do not live in the greater Brisbane metropolitan area.

Q - Where will I be posted?
A - At the time of interview you provide Recruiting staff with a Transfer Preference form, on which you will have nominated your first five preferences from the 17 Districts and 2 Regions of possible availability.  The letter of appointment (provided approximately 3 months prior to the intake) informs successful applicants of their District/Region allocation after initial training.

Q - Can I transfer at rank/specialist position?
A - There is no provision to transfer directly at rank or into specialist positions.  The Queensland Police Service is seeking general duties police officers and applicants must realise that regardless of their rank, experience or specialist skills they will commence as a Constable in general duties.  This includes former Queensland police officers.

JUSTICE ENTRY PATHWAY FOR INDIGENOUS PERSONS-

Q - How long is the training?
A - Training is full time (Monday to Friday 8am – 4:30pm) for 6 months (excluding public holidays) at Brisbane Queensland Police Service Academy.

Q – Will I get paid during training?
A – Yes, you will receive an allowance equal to that of a police recruit, which is paid fortnightly (approximately $1,243.55 gross as of 1/07/2009). Existing employees of the Queensland Police Service who apply for and are accepted into the JEP traineeship will receive ordinary salary/wages and are maintained for the duration of the traineeship.

Q - How do I confirm that I am of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Decent?
A - You will need to provide documentary evidence of Aboriginality from an officially recognised Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander authority which will indicate that you are:

• Of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• You identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
• You are accepted as such by the community in which you live.

NOTE: You must submit a completed ‘Confirmation of Aboriginality’ form with your application. 

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