Women in Policing
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A career for women in the NSW Police Force
The NSW Police Force (NSWPF) is looking for enthusiastic, professional and dedicated women to join us in making NSW a safer, crime-free community for everyone. On a national level, the NSW Police Force has the highest representation of women within its ranks.
Considering a Policing career?
You should consider a policing career if you:-
- Want to help people and the community
- Want to make a difference
- Are ready to take on challenges
- Want a variety of work in a dynamic work environment
- Are fit and active
Female police officers have been serving the NSW community for the last 100 years, bringing a wide variety of skills, work experiences, qualifications and cultural understanding to the NSWPF.
Work / Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy balance between your career and personal life is important, not only for those with carer responsibilities, but also for your policing career generally. The NSWPF offers a range of flexible working arrangements for females including Family and Community Service Leave, Personal Carer’s Leave, Parental Leave, support for breastfeeding mothers, ability to purchase additional leave entitlements, and leave without pay. The NSWPF also offers part-time employment dependant on operational needs.
NSWPF provides a variety of flexible working arrangements aimed at encouraging a healthy work-life balance for our female employees, including:
- Maternity Leave
- Family and Community Service Leave
- Part-time work for Police officers
- Pregnancy Procedures
- Breast feeding policy
Spokeswomen's Network
The Spokeswomen's Program is designed to help women with their career needs. Network members are located across the organisation and can provide assistance with:
- Improved access to information relevant to women and work
- Opportunities to raise issues and have input into how they are addressed
- Participation in Spokeswomen’s events and activities
- Structured networking opportunities
The Spokeswomen's Network is also instrumental in recognising women’s achievements. It acknowledges those individual police officers who have helped contribute to elevating the status of women in the organisation.
Career Pathways
All NSW police officers must undertake general duties in a Local Area Command (LAC) for at least the first three (3) years of their employment.
After three years, you then have the opportunity to apply to a wide range of specialist sections including Detectives, Youth Liaison Officers, School Liaison Police, specialist roles in the Dog Squad, Mounted Police, Rescue & Bomb Disposal, Crash Investigation or Forensics, just to name a few.
You can speak personally with a Female Police Recruitment Officer on 1800 222 122. Recruitment Officers may also be available to speak to in person at career markets and expos or community events. Keep checking “Upcoming Events” on the NSW Police Recruitment website to see where NSW Police Recruitment will be appearing next.
Frequently asked questions
While the experience of being a NSW Police Officer is similar for both men and women, sometimes female applicants have questions or concerns which may vary from those expressed by male applicants. Sometimes there are misconceptions about women in policing and the following information is provided to dispel some of the ‘myths’ and clarify areas of concern which have been raised by some of our female applicants:
Women do not have the personality for Policing?
Policing does not require an aggressive and dominant personality. To be effectively involved in policing the community you need to be engaging and have good interpersonal skills. Women often bring a unique dynamic to the Police as they are able to establish a relationship with the community, and show compassion.
Will I be able to complete the physical?
A major requirement of meeting the Professional Suitability standards to become a police officer is that you are physically fit. Males and females are required to pass the same Physical Capacity Testing standards.
Some females have experienced difficulty in passing the hand-grip component of the physical testing. All applicants must be able to grip 30kg or more, for each hand. Some females also require assistance with completing the push-ups stage of the testing. Push ups can be done starting on your knees or toes, and prior training is essential. Training programs are available. For further information on physical testing standards, please refer to the website for information and instructions on how to complete all the tests.
Do I have to be a certain height or body type to join?
Whilst there are no minimum height or weight restrictions, it is important to have general fitness and good health in order to cope with the demands of training and operational policing. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) must be less than 30 and your waist measurements less than 88cm to satisfy professional suitability requirements.
What are the age restrictions for women in the NSW Police?
You must have reached at least 19 years of age before you can be employed as a NSW police officer. There is no maximum age to join, as long as you have the ability to meet all medical and physical requirements.
Is it difficult to be a police officer and have a family?
As a NSW Police Officer you can achieve enjoyment and satisfaction from your career while managing your work, home, and community responsibilities. The NSWPF offers a range of flexible working arrangements including parental leave and part-time employment.
Can female police officers take Maternity Leave?
Maternity leave can be taken by any female officer who has completed 40 weeks continuous service. Unpaid leave is available to any female officer regardless of length of service.
Would I get paid during my Maternity Leave?
You will be entitled to payment for the first fourteen (14) weeks of Maternity Leave.
If I become a Police officer, will I have to move from my home town?
NSW Police officers have the opportunity to nominate 5 preferred locations for placement. We endeavour to employ police officers at their preferred location, but the NSW Police Force must first meet operational field requirements, which will influence final placement. Your initial placement as a Probationary Constable will generally be in the Sydney Metropolitan area, although you should be prepared to work anywhere within NSW.
Is the salary as a Police Officer competitive?
Starting salary is excellent and is approximately $57,000 in your first year as a probationary constable (base salary plus shift allowances).
Are women allowed to apply for other sections within the New South Wales Police?
Yes, women are encouraged to apply for any section of the NSW Police as long as they meet the requirements for that section. After you have completed three years of service you have the opportunity to apply to work in a wide range of specialist sections within the NSW Police Force.
To gain entry into certain specialist sections, you may be required to undergo further physical testing. Each section has different physical test requirements, and all tests are the same for males and females.