Queensland Police Service (QPS)

Ready to take your first step toward a challenging and rewarding career in policing? Join our Queensland Police Recruit Training Program to protect our community and create a better Queensland.

As a recruit you’ll get to train at the Queensland Police Academy in Brisbane or Townsville. During the training, you’ll be equipped with knowledge of the law and the practical skills to professionally and confidently handle a range of police duties – from fast-paced city operations to working in our rural and remote communities. You'lll have the opportunity to work across Queensland and will be allocated to a region/district before the start of academy training.

Duration

The standard recruit training program lasts approximately 36 weeks. If you have previous frontline policing experience, you may be eligible to undertake the Police Abridged Competency Education (PACE) program, which lasts approximately 20 weeks. After successfully completing your recruit training, you'll be inducted as a constable and become part of the First Year Constable (FYC) Program during which you'll receive further training and development on the job.

Who we are looking for

At the Queensland Police Service, we are looking for police recruit applicants who have:

• demonstrated a strong commitment  to the QPS values (outlined in the QPS Strategic Plan)
• good communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal)
• analysis and problem-solving abilities
• a sense of responsibility
• the ability to defuse situations
• compassion
• time management
• a willingness to help.

Program eligibility

You may be eligible to apply if you:

• are at least 17 years old at the time of applying and no older than 59 years when starting the FYC program
• display a high standard of past behaviour (for example, as reflected in your traffic and criminal history)
• meet at least one of the following requirements:
  • are currently completing Year 12 and have your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) with passing grades in English and Mathematics before starting at the academy
  • have completed Year 12 (or an equivalent qualification such as the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation)
  • have 3 or more years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work at the start of your application. The work needs to be either paid work or unpaid work at a recognised volunteer organisation
• will, by the time of graduating from the police academy, hold an open driver licence or a current provisional driver licence with a minimum of 12 months of driving experience as the licence holder (automatic or manual vehicle)
• are either:
  • an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency status in Australia
  • a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category Visa (SCV) under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
  • a foreign national with policing experience who has received permanent residency prior to academy commencement (see our information on international recruitment)
• can demonstrate a reasonable degree of aerobic fitness and physical strength
• are physically and mentally fit to undertake the duties of a Constable.

Program remuneration and benefits

• The First Year Constable salary is $72,322 + 21% Operational Shift Allowance (OSA) as per the QPS Certified Agreement. As a QPS police recruit, you’ll receive 70% of this salary during your training.
• Graduates may be eligible for the QPS HECS/HELP Debt Incentive. The scheme pays up to $20,000 (value of debt) to eligible police recruits who have, before the start of their training, completed a bachelor's degree or higher in criminology, social work, counselling or other relevant human services at a registered higher-education provider.
• Generous leave entitlements are available, including 6 weeks recreation leave per year.
• A 38-hour working week is standard, with 9 days off in every 28-day roster.
• Overtime is paid for work beyond rostered hours.
• Recruits have access to leave for carers, bereavement or emergency reasons, as well as Australian Defence Force Reserves, study and sporting commitments.
• A wide variety of training opportunities are available.
• Officers working in remote areas can access additional travel allowances and financial incentives.

How to apply

Find out more about applying to become a Queensland Police Officer.

Our recruitment process

More information about this program

Find out more about Queensland Police recruitment.

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