Are there any age restrictions for police recruitment?
You must be over the age of 18 to be considered for a sworn (recruit) position within ACT Policing. We value life experience and there is no maximum age limit providing the individual is considered fit to perform policing duties. Recruits attending training at the AFP College are usually aged somewhere from their early 20s to late 40s.
Does the ACT Policing have minimum education requirements for recruits?
The minimum education requirement for ACT Policing is a Year 12 certificate (or equivalent) or Year 10 with a trade certificate or similar experience. Certificate IV will also be considered on a case by case basis. Tertiary qualifications are desirable but not essential.
Do I have to have a driver's license?
To be considered for ACT Policing duties you need to hold a valid manual driver's licence at time of commencement on a Federal Police Development Program course.
Do I need to meet a particular medical standard to be a police recruit?
Yes. The entry requirements for ACT Policing roles are provided in medical standards for recruits. If you have a specific medical condition and you wish to know if it precludes you from ACT Policing employment, please contact ACT Policing Recruitment.
Do I have to be a minimum height to join ACT Policing?
There are no height restrictions in becoming an officer within ACT Policing. As long as you are fit and healthy, we recruit people of all shapes and sizes.
Does ACT Policing place an emphasis on physical strength?
The key strengths required to police modern society are intellect and good interpersonal skills. Studies show that upper body strength is required in relatively few instances and that intelligence, good communication and negotiation skills lessen the likelihood of conflict situations developing. For police recruits, there are minimum fitness standards.
What level of physical fitness is required?
The Pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment will determine your level of physical fitness and these results will form part of the application process and medical material about your general level of health and fitness. For more information, see minimum fitness standards.
What can I do to prepare for the fitness test?
These exercise programs are based on the fitness tests conducted and have been developed to help you prepare for the Pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment:
Will my sexual orientation prohibit me from joining ACT Policing?
ACT Policing believes that sexual orientation does not affect an individual's ability to perform the duties of a police officer. The Gay and Lesbian Officer Network provides support to its members and also advises management on strategies and initiatives for managing relationships with the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and intersexual communities.
Does ACT Policing employ people from non-English speaking backgrounds or from different ethnic groups?
Yes. It is important for ACT Policing to mirror the community in which we serve in order to provide an effective police service.
I am still at school and considering a future in the ACT Policing. Are there any subjects/curriculum favoured by the ACT Policing that would enhance my chances for employment?
There are no particular preferred subjects. The ACT Policing is interested in good results and a capacity to think critically. Selection for ACT Policing employment is highly competitive. We look for sound academic performance and encourage you to pursue subjects you are interested in which develop your thinking skills. Good results in these areas will indicate how well you are likely to do with police training requirements. We also like to see significant life experience and relevant skills and training.
Does ACT Policing prefer people with degrees and particular types of degrees?
Tertiary qualifications are desirable but not essential. The minimum educational qualification is the completion of Year 12, or Year 10 plus a trade certificate. Tertiary qualifications may add to your competitiveness and wherever possible, ACT Policing seeks to recruit graduates from a wide range of disciplines, not limited to law/justice/criminology studies.
What is the process to become a police officer/recruit?
Our recruitment process is designed to ensure applicants meet entry level requirements (minimum requirements) and have the values and skills to meet the challenges and demands of policing. This process involves:
- submitting your online application and supporting documentation
- meeting the minimum requirements
- meeting designated standards on entry testing (aptitude and psychological screening)
- undertaking a Pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment
- attending an assessment centre (including an interview conducted by a panel, a group activity, a written/literacy exercise and a presentation)
- a security clearance, which may involve an interview (and finger printing)
- undertaking a medical examination and psychological assessment
- undergoing a urine-analysis for illicit drug use
- attending training (24 week live-in program at the AFP College).
For more information, see How to apply.
What does the aptitude and psychological testing involve?
The aptitude tests are designed to measure your ability to understand verbal, numerical and abstract relationships. Applicants have a set period of time in which to complete these tests. Examples of aptitude questions are:
- Find the missing number in the following sequence - 1 5 9 13 ? 21
(answer: 17)
- Find the missing number in the following sequence - 2 5 10 17 ?
(answer: 26 - each number from 1 to 5 is first squared and then 1 is added)
- Which four of the following words are alike in some way? 1. behind 2. premature 3. late 4. early 5. tardy 6. slow
(answer: 1, 3, 5 and 6)
- Book is to read as car is to ? 1. travel 2. distance 3. drive 4. speed
(answer: 3).
The psychological testing involves two tests that ask many questions about your behaviour, thoughts and feelings. These tests are used to assess whether your personal characteristics are a suitable match to the requirements of a police role.
What does it mean if I do not progress in my application as a result of the aptitude and psychological testing?
This simply means that you have not met the minimum ACT Policing specific testing requirements. No other conclusions are drawn.
What does an ACT Policing recruitment interview involve?
ACT Policing’s recruit interview is part of the assessment centre. The interview can be conducted by a two or three-person panel which will include at least one female panel member for female applicants. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders may elect to have a friend attend the interview process to assist.
Prepare yourself for the interview by conducting research as necessary and anticipating answers to questions regarding your capabilities, integrity, interests and personal history.
What is involved in the security clearance process?
The security clearance process can be intrusive in nature and includes (but is not limited to) detailed background, character references, employment history, criminal record checks and financial checks.
How long does recruit training take?
The length of training programs varies depending on whether you are a police recruit (24 week program) or a lateral transfer recruit from another police service (training depends on experience). For more information see Recruit training.
What will I learn at the AFP College?
Police recruits at the AFP College undertake the Diploma of Public Safety (Policing). This Diploma is a combination of 14 competencies designed to give you the underpinning knowledge and the technical skills to perform the functions of a police officer.
You will achieve a high level of theoretical knowledge and will be required to demonstrate the practical application of that knowledge by performing the functions of a police officer serving in the community. After completing your training and demonstrating the appropriate competencies in the workplace, you receive you will be sworn in as a Constable of Police and receive a Diploma in Policing.
Is the AFP College affiliated with a university?
The AFP College is a Registered Training Organisation; however it is not affiliated with any university.
If I live in Canberra, do I have to live at the College during training?
Yes. It is a standard requirement for recruits to live-in at the AFP College during training.
Can my family stay with me while I am at the AFP College?
Due to the single accommodation arrangements at the College family cannot accompany you. You may choose, however, to organise other nearby accommodation for your family at your own expense.
Generally, once you successfully complete your training requirements, all reasonable expenses associated with moving your family to the location where you are initially deployed are covered (if it differs from your home location).
Do I have a say in where I am deployed after recruit training?
You can provide your preference about where you’d like to be deployed to however you need to be conscious of the fact that placements are dependent on operational requirements, and you may be moved at any time.
What is the difference between sworn and un-sworn police roles?
Sworn members (after successful completion of training) have certain police powers under the Australian Federal Police Act and have the ability to enforce the law.
Un-sworn members of ACT Policing include those employees in non-policing and support roles. You can however be a sworn member in an un-sworn role.
What is the difference between ACT Policing (general duties), Federal Agent and Protective Service Officer roles?
ACT Policing officers start their career as a community police officer in Canberra, usually undertaking General Duties. This may involve patrols and attending disputes, events, accidents, fires, floods and other disasters.
Federal Agents prevent and detect crimes against Commonwealth law, many of which extend beyond State and national borders. Federal Agents (of the Australian Federal Police) investigate terrorism, organised crime, high tech crime and people smuggling (to name a few). See Federal Agents.
Protective Service Officers protect Commonwealth interests in Australia and overseas, including counter terrorism first response at Australia's major airports. See Protective Service Officers.
If I join ACT Policing am I likely to be seriously injured?
Recent statistics show that policing in Australia has a lower incidence of workplace injuries than occupations like farming and nursing. In fact, workplace injuries for ACT Policing employees match the average for the whole of the Australian Public Service.
Policing is of course a more dangerous career than some other options, however we ensure you are trained appropriately to deal with such dangers.
Is ACT Policing an independent police service in its own right?
ACT Policing is the community policing arm of the AFP. We deliver policing services to the Australian Capital Territory through a Policing Arrangement between the ACT and Commonwealth Governments.
This arrangement is of great benefit to the ACT and the AFP, as we can multi-skill our members and provide them with greater career opportunities, training and exposure to local, national and international law enforcement.
What is the difference between ACT Policing and AFP?
ACT Policing is the community policing arm of the AFP and enforces the law within the Australian Capital Territory under Territory legislation. The AFP investigates and prevents crimes against the Commonwealth - work that often extends beyond State and national borders, and protects Commonwealth interests in Australia and overseas.
Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work with ACT Policing?
Yes, it is a minimum requirement at the time of application that you are an Australian citizen. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Commissioner consider engaging a person who is not an Australian Citizen.
I have a security clearance from another department/organisation - will this assist me with my application?
ACT Policing will still conduct its own security checks. If, however, you are able to provide the relevant details/documentation, please do so.
What do I get paid as a recruit?
Base level recruits are paid $51,362 p.a. while training. Details about pay, the ACT Policing’s generous leave entitlements and other conditions can be found at Pay and conditions.
How often does the ACT Policing recruit?
ACT Policing recruitment needs vary from year to year depending on organisational and government demands, however, we plan to recruit annually.
We encourage you to regularly view Jobs@ACT Policing to make sure you don’t miss out.