Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Suitability Application (PSA)
Q. How do I become a police officer?
All NSW Police recruits are required to complete a NSW Police Force approved police education and training program. Currently, there are 3 training and education pathways.
The most popular pathway is through the Associate Degree in Policing Practice offered by jointly by the NSW Police Force and Charles Sturt University. Further information on the ADPP can be found at http://www.csu.edu.au/student/police/
Q: Can I do work experience with the NSW Police Force?
The NSW Police Recruitment Branch does not operate a Work Experience Program. For further information about work experience with the NSW Police Force please contact the Youth Liaison Officer (YLO) or School Liaison Police (SLP) within your Local Area Command (at your nearest Police Station).
Q: How often does the NSW Police Force recruit?
The NSW Police Recrutment Branch accepts and processes applications throughout the year. Once an application is completed and the applicant has been passed Professionally Suitable, they will be placed into a pool of applicants who can be placed in the next available intake of the Associate Degree in Policing Practice. Intakes usually occur in January, May and September each year.
Q. How do I apply?
Visit the Charles Sturt University website to find out how you can apply for the Associate Degree in Policing Practice. You can download all the information and application forms you will need to apply at http://www.csu.edu.au/study/arts-courses/policing/enrol.htm. In addition to satisfying some academic criteria, you must also complete a Professional Suitability Assessment as well as passing a medical and fitness assessment.
Q. What are the physical requirements needed to become a police officer?
Prior to entering the NSW Police Academy applicants should seek professional advice regarding the development of aerobic fitness, upper body strength, lower limb strength, handgrip strength, abdominal strength and flexibility.
You will be required to attend an Assessment Day where you will participate in physical fitness and psychometric assessments as part of the Professional Suitability process. Information is provided in the Professional Suitability Application. Any applicant wanting to join the NSW Police Force MUST pass each of the six (6) physical capacity tests. Your physical fitness will also be re-tested whilst you are a student at the NSW Police Academy.
Click on the link below for more information about the tests and required standards.
Q. What are the height and age requirements?
You must be at least 18 years of age to submit a Professional Suitability Application (and you must reach at least 19 years of age before you can attest (graduate) from the NSW Police Academy to be employed as a police officer). There are no minimum height or weight restrictions, however, it is important to have general fitness and good health in order to cope with the demands of training and operational policing.
Q: Do I need to be an Australian Citizen to apply to join the NSW Police Force?
To be eligible to join the NSW Police Force you must be either an Australian Citizen or have Permanent Residency.
Q: Can I apply first and wait for my Permanent Residency application to be accepted?
No. An applicant cannot undergo the application process until they can provide proof of Australian Permanent Residency.
Q: I have just completed Year 12. What do I have to do to become a police officer?
You will need an ATAR of 66 or higher. If your ATAR falls between 60 and 66 you are advised to contact Charles Sturt University (CSU) to discuss your options. Alternatively, you may need to go to TAFE and complete a Certificate IV course. Contact CSU for further information.
Q: I am on my Learner's Permit. Does this matter?
Yes. You must hold your Red P's (NSW) or equivalent for at least two (2) months before submitting a Professional Suitability Application with the NSW Police Recruitment Branch. You must also hold your Green P's (NSW) or equivalent before you can attest (graduate) from the NSW Police College to be employed as a police officer.
Q. Is there a particular cultural group the NSW Police Force is recruiting?
The NSW Police Force's aim is to achieve an officer profile balanced in gender, ethnicity and age, which reflects the diversity of the NSW population.
Q. English is my second language. What level of proficiency is required?
It is in your best interest to ensure your language proficiency is at a high standard prior to applying for the Associate Degree in Policing Practice. A prospective police officer must be able to communicate clearly in high-pressure situations, in face-to-face contact as well as over the telephone or police radio.
Q: Will I be required to undergo a medical assessment as part of the application process?
Yes. All NSW Police Force applicants must undergo a medical assessment. This assessment is conducted by Recovre. Recovre is the external medical assessment provider for the NSW Police Force.
Q: My Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30. Will this prevent me from being successful in the application process?
For your application to be considered your BMI must be 30 or less. In addition, male applicants must have a waist measurement of 100cm or less, and female applicants require a waist measurement of 88cm or less.
Q: Can I join if I have a criminal record?
If you have committed a serious criminal offence as an adult, your application will be rejected. If the offence was a minor summary offence, your application may be considered further, taking into account the nature of the offence, your age at the time of the offence, when the offence was committed and your current good behaviour. 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.
Q: I have been declared bankrupt. Can I still apply?
Applicants wishing to join the NSW Police Force must not be a declared bunkrupt. Before an application can be passed the applicant must be discharged from their bankruptcy.
Q. How do I get more information?
If you require further information or have other questions please contact a NSW Police Recruitment Officer on 1800 222 122. Alternatively, for further information regarding academic eligibility or the Associate Degree in Policing Practice please visit the Charles Sturt University website http://www.csu.edu.au/student/police/
Associate Degree in Policing Practice (ADPP)
Q. What are the general academic entry requirements for the Associate Degree in Policing Practice?
You can download the academic entry requirements from the Charles Sturt University website - http://www.csu.edu.au/study/arts-courses/policing/enrol.htm
Some candidates think that because police training is a university program it is not for them, but some of the best students have come from non-university backgrounds. Visit the CSU website - http://www.csu.edu.au/study/arts-courses/policing/application-timeline.htm to find out whether you meet the requirements or require further study.
Q: I have completed an apprenticeship - will I meet the educational requirements?
Yes. Trade Certificates do meet the educational requirements to apply for enrolment into the Associate Degree in Policing Practice (ADPP).
Q. How much does it cost to undertake the Associate Degree in Policing Practice at the NSW Police College?
General costs to consider when undertaking the Associate Degree in Police Practice (ADPP) include are available from the CSU website - http://www.csu.edu.au/study/arts-courses/policing/costs.htm
Q. Are there scholarships available?
Scholarships are available for students who undertake the Associate Degree in Policing Practice and who meet the scholarship criteria. More information regarding scholarships is available at http://www.csu.edu.au/study/arts-courses/policing/scholarships.htm
Q: Do I have to live on-campus at the Academy?
No. Many students choose to live on the College Campus, however you do have the option to live off-campus is you wish.
Q: How do I apply for accommodation at the Academy?
When you receive your intial acceptance letter from Charles Sturt University you will be provided contact details for the NSW Police Academy to apply for on-campus accommodation.
Q: How much does it cost (per week) to stay on-campus at the Academy?
Accommodation and meals will cost $100 per week. However, this cost is covered under an Accommodation Scholarship and is met by the NSW Police Force.
Q: Do I get paid while I am at the Academy?
Whilst at the Academy you are considered to be a student and, as such, you will receive no salary until such times as you are employed as a Probationary Constable with the NSW Police Force. Scholarships are available - refer to the scholarships question above for further information.
Q. What does the course involve for undergraduate students?
Undergraduate students are required to complete an initial 13 weeks of full time study at the NSW Police Academy, Goulburn before completing an 80 hour police placement and a further 14 weeks full time study at the NSW Police Academy, Goulburn. Should you be successful in gaining employment with the NSW Police Force you will then complete Sessions 3, 4 and 5 by distance education while working full-time as a Probationary Constable.
The Associate Degree in Policing Practice focuses on the core areas of police work in line with the National Competencies for Police Officers outlined by the APESC (Australian Police Education Standards Council). It aims to improve students' capabilities in the areas of communication and problem-solving, investigation, issues relating to safe custody, working with victims, as well as ethics and accountability. Subjects and activities in the areas of communication, physical skills and operational safety, for example, provide students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on training in the practical aspects of policing.
Q: What hours will I be studying when I am at the Academy?
Early morning parade can commence at 7.00am. Lectures and Physical Training classes will generally be held throughout the remainder of the day. Some lectures may continue until 10pm.
Q. Can I study the ADPP from home or on a part-time basis?
It is possible to study the ADPP from home through the part time Distance Education pathway. Distance Education students are required to complete one year of study, which includes the completion of two 13 week (approximately) distance education sessions of part time study, an 80 hour police placement and a 14 week full time study component at the NSW Police Academy, Goulburn prior to employment.
By the commencement of the full time study component (Session 2) students must be able to demonstrate a fitness level that is approximately 80% of that required for the final fitness assessment. Should you be successful in gaining employment with the NSW Police Force, you will complete Sessions 3, 4 and 5 by distance education while working full-time as a Probationary Constable.
Q. As a university graduate, will I receive any credit for studies I have already undertaken?
Students who have completed a degree closely related to the field of policing may be eligible for some credit for the first session of study. More information is available from Charles Sturt University on 1800 443 306.
Q. What if I am not graduating but have started a university course?
If you're considering a career move to the NSW Police Force, you will need to undertake a NSW Police Force approved university program prior to employment. As an undergraduate, you must study the Associate Degree in Policing Practice (ADPP) either as a full-time on campus student or by distance education on a part-time basis. If you have completed a degree course in a relative area, you may be eligible for advanced standing entry into the ADPP.
Q. When can I start?
The application process to commence the recruit education program - the Associate Degree in Policing Practice - is a lengthy process. There are usually three intakes per year into the Associate Degree in Policing Practice - January, May and September. Offers to each program usually commence 3 months before session commences. Due to limited vacancies and the competitive nature of the process, all successful applications will be considered for these intakes, however successfully completing the application process should not give an expectation of subsequent employment.
Q. How do I get more information?
If you require further information or have other questions please contact a NSW Police Recruitment Officer on 1800 222 122. Alternatively, for further information regarding academic eligibility or the Associate Degree in Policing Practice please visit the Charles Sturt University website http://www.csu.edu.au/student/police/
Policing as a Career Choice
Q. How much will I earn as a police officer?
Starting salary is excellent and is approximately $59,000 (2011) in your first year as a probationary constable (base salary plus allowances).
Q. What are my career options once I join?
Before undertaking a wide range of career pathways within the NSW Police Force, all new police officers must undertake general duties in a police command for at least three (3) years.
After three years, you then have the opportunity to apply to work in a wide range of specialist sections within the NSW Police Force including Detectives, Youth Liaison Officers or School Liaison Police, or other specialist areas such as the Dog Squad, Mounted Police, Rescue & Bomb Disposal, Police Prosecutors, Crash Investigation or Forensics to name just a few.
Q. What will I be doing in my first year out?
During your first year you will be performing general policing duties as a Probationary Constable. In that role you will be working with experienced police officers who will assist you in applying everything you learned at the College to real life policing situations. The range of situations you may attend as a police officer could include domestic situations, motor vehicle accidents, armed robberies, stealing offences or serious assaults.
You will also remain a student of Charles Sturt University while you complete the three distance education sessions of study (sessions 3, 4 and 5) prior to graduating from the Associate Degree in Policing Practice.
Q: Where will I get stationed?
Whilst you are studying at the NSW Police Academy you will be asked to nominate five (5) preferences for your placement. The NSW Police Force will endeavour to place you at one of your preferences and will take into account your personal circumstances where possible. Ultimately, the NSW Police Force covers the whole State and your placement will be determined in accordance with organisational requirements.
Q: What is the retirement age?
The retirement age for NSW Police Officers is 60, with an option for retirement at 55 years of age.
Q. How do I get more information?
If you require further information or have other questions please contact a NSW Police Recruitment Officer on 1800 222 122. Alternatively, for further information regarding academic eligibility or the Associate Degree in Policing Practice please visit the Charles Sturt University website http://www.csu.edu.au/student/police/