Am I eligible?
You must pass the following requirements to apply to join the NSW Police Force.
1. You must be an Australian Citizen or a Permanent Resident.
If not, it will be necessary for you to make inquiries with the Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). NSW Police Force will not offer or suggest the likelihood of employment for the purpose of assisting any individual to gain citizenship. Applicants who are New Zealand citizens who hold an SCV (Special Category Visa) do not need to obtain permanent residency.
2. You must be 18 years of age or older.
You must be 18 years of age to lodge a Professional Suitability Application with the NSW Police Force.
3. You must have a Red Provisional (or equivalent) or Full Driver’s Licence.
If not, you may have to defer your application. To meet professional suitability criteria you must have either your full licence or, under the new scheme, a red provisional licence (or equivalent).
4. Have you ever been issued with any traffic infringements?
We know that many people have committed offences at some stage in their driving history so when we assess your traffic record, we will look at your recent pattern of behaviour as well as the total number and seriousness of the offences. If you have more than one (1) Traffic Infringement Notice for every two (2) years of driving, your application may be considered uncompetitive at this stage.
5. Have you ever been criminally charged?
Applicants who have prior criminal convictions or who have otherwise come under adverse attention would not be assessed as professionally suitable. In special circumstances, however, applications may be considered depending upon the nature, seriousness and recency of the offence, your age at the time and present character and conduct. Also any inappropriate association with groups, gangs or known criminals may result in you not being considered as professionally suitable. Individuals who have a criminal history or record may not be successful in applying for employment as a police officer if their history calls into question their integrity, credibility or ability to hold a firearm. For further inquiries, contact a Police Recruitment Officer on 1800 222 122.
6. Have you been the subject of an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO)?
Our policy reflects requirements set down in Firearms legislation. This means that you should not be the subject of an AVO, nor should one have been in existence within the last 10 years (unless revoked). Your application will be deemed unsuccessful for a period of ten (10) years from the expiry of the AVO. The ten (10) year period DOES NOT apply to Interim AVOs.
7. You must have a high level of English language skills.
It is essential that prospective employees possess a high standard of English communication. If you have any concerns regarding your English language proficiency you should seek further advice from the NSW Adult Migrant English Service (AMES) on (02) 9289 9222 or 1800 114 707. TAFENSW also have a range of English language programs. For course information contact 13 16 01.
8. Do you engage in regular physical activity?
We recommend that applicants seek professional advice regarding the development of aerobic fitness, upper body strength, lower limb strength, handgrip strength, abdominal strength and flexibility. You should reach a reasonable level of fitness before lodging an application to join the NSW Police Force. Check if you are fit enough.
9. You must pass a medical assessment.
All Professional Suitability Applicants are required to undertake an initial medical assessment to ensure they can perform the inherent requirements of policing duties. If you believe you have a serious medical condition you are advised to contact the Police Recruitment Branch for further advice and information.
10. Do you wear spectacles or contact lenses?
You may meet our vision standards but would need to submit a report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist advising your uncorrected and correct vision as well as the spherical and cylindrical power of the lens. If glasses are worn, they must have polycarbonate lenses. For more information, please contact the Police Recruitment Branch.
11. Do you have a colour vision defect?
If you make four or more errors on the Ishihara colour vision test, you may not meet our colour vision standards. Please contact the Police Recruitment Branch for further advice and information.
12. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) must be 30 or less.
Your medical practitioner can generally assist you in assessing your BMI. Your BMI needs to be 30 or less for Professional Suitability clearance. Waist measurement for males must be less than 100cm and for females less than 88cm. If your BMI is greater than 30, you may be unable to cope with the physical rigours of training and may not reach your employment goal.
BMI = weight / (height x height)
For example: 79kg / (1.78m x 1.78m) = 25
If you passed all of the requirements above, congratulations! You may be a suitable candidate for joining the NSW Police Force.