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Applying to become a Queensland police officer 

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and share our values of integrity, respect and courage. If you have strong communication and problem-solving skills, a sense of responsibility and compassion, and effective time management, you may be suited to a career as a Queensland police officer. 

On this page:

  • Who is the General Entry pathway for?

    The General Entry police recruit applicant pathway is designed for individuals who are new to policing and do not have prior or recent policing experience. 

    If you have recent and relevant policing experience from an Australian or international jurisdiction, explore the Entry Pathway best suited to your circumstances. 

    QPS also offers preparatory programs for Multicultural and First Nations recruit applicants which run prior to the Recruit Training Program (RTP) to help applicants prepare for their RTP journey. 

    Signage - Our Vision, a safer and more resilient Queensland
  • Are you eligible to become a Queensland police officer?

    New recruit applicants without policing experience are required to meet the eligibility requirements below. 

    • Be 17.5 years of age or older at the time of applying or less than 59 years of age at commencement of the First Year Constable program; and
    • Meet the Year 12 education or work experience requirements with one of the following criteria:
      • Currently completing Year 12 and have your QCE prior to starting at the academy with a passing grade in English and Mathematics; or
      • Have completed year 12 (or equivalent - Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation 11240NAT); or
      • IPROWD program (or equivalent); or
      • Have three or more years of full time (or part time equivalent) work at the commencement of your application. The work needs to be either paid work or unpaid work at a recognised volunteer organisation; and
    • By the time of graduating from the police academy, you must 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). You may apply in advance providing you have progressed from your learner licence; and
    • Be an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency status, or be a New Zealand citizen holding a special category visa (SCV*) under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).

    More information regarding citizenship and permanent residency visas can be found on the Australian Government website.

  • General Entry application process

    Becoming a Queensland police officer involves a structured recruitment process designed to assess your suitability. Applicants will complete several stages, including submitting an application, providing supporting documents, undergoing assessments, interviews, and background checks.

    The process ensures candidates meet the required standards in areas such as fitness, integrity, and aptitude. 

    General duties police officers chatting with community member
  • Preparing for your application

    The QPS Recruiting Team aims to process applications as quickly as possible, however timeframes can be impacted by your availability, referee responses and how quickly supporting documents are provided. To help your application progress and set yourself up for success:

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    Understand the application process

    by familiarising yourself with the Recruitment Process and Supporting Document requirements

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    Respond promptly and professionally

    to all correspondence with the Recruiting Team throughout the process

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    Maintain your physical fitness

    from your application to recruit training and beyond, to sustain the ongoing physical demands of the job

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    Understand the role of a police officer

    including responsibilities, expectations, work hours, remuneration and eligibility criteria

  • Benefits and what we offer

    As a recruit, you will be paid during training, receive an additional fortnightly training allowance, and may be provided with free accommodation at a QPS Academy in Brisbane or Townsville. 

    Throughout your policing career, you will have access to generous superannuation and leave entitlements, overtime, skills and career development opportunities, and additional allowances for some roles and locations. There are also locality allowances available for police officers who are posted to rural or remote locations throughout Queensland.

    police officer looking to city lights at dusk
  • Recruit training and career progression

    Successful applicants through the General Entry pathway begin their journey with the Recruit Training Program (RTP) at a QPS Academy in Brisbane or Townsville.

    The RTP runs for approximately 32 weeks, preparing recruits for the duties of frontline policing. After graduation, you’ll gain hands-on operational experience under the guidance of experienced officers through the First Year Constable Program.

    recruits walking past QPS Academy office in Brisbane
  • Next steps

    Becoming a police officer is a rewarding career choice requiring dedication, resilience, and a genuine commitment to serving your community. Take the time to ensure you’re fully prepared and ready to take the next step in this exciting journey.

    Ready to start your application? If you appear eligible to apply after completing the EOI, you must be prepared to action several steps and assessments shortly after. Ensure you are prepared and have the time to fully commit to the recruitment process. 

  • FAQs for General Entry applicants

  • When are the next intake dates?

    The QPS accepts police recruit applications year-round, not tied to specific intake commencement dates. 

    QPS Academy in Brisbane offers multiple intakes throughout the year for both the mainstream Recruit Training Program and PACE program. The North Queensland campus conducts one intake approximately every nine months. 

    If successful, when will I know my start date?

    Once you have met all requirements and are deemed suitable, QPS Recruiting will determine the appropriate recruit training program to suit your background and experience. 

    You will then receive a letter of offer outlining your training program, academy location (Brisbane or Townsville) and intake commencement date. 

  • Contact us

    If you haven't been able to find the answer you are looking for, contact us.

    Phone: 1300 BE A COP (23 2 267)
    +61 7 3015 3388 (for overseas enquiries)

    Email: Recruiting@police.qld.gov.au

    Contact hours: 9am-12pm and 1-3pm, Monday to Friday

    Visit us: By appointment only