Police Officer
Protect the public and property by enforcing laws.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Police Officer?
- How to become a Police Officer
- Latest Police Officer jobs
- Top skills and experience for Police Officers
- Is Police Officer the right role for you?
- Police Officer role reviews
What's it like to be a Police Officer?
Police Officers serve to protect public life and property. They undertake extensive on-the-job training and perform a diverse range of duties, including: maintaining public order and safety; being first responder to emergency calls; investigating and prosecuting criminal offences; enforcing traffic law; securing and examining crime scenes; and dealing with violent offenders or people under the influence of drugs and alcohol.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Securing and examining scenes of crimes and accidents.
- Maintaining public order and safety and preventing anti-social behaviour.
- Pursuing, arresting and interviewing suspected offenders.
- Enforcing traffic law including testing suspected alcohol and drug-affected drivers.
- Managing traffic at congested areas.
- Providing advice and assistance to victims of crime and their families.
- Dealing with drug and alcohol affected people.
- Attending critical incidents and emergencies.
- Protecting witnesses of major crimes.
- Documenting incident reports, maintaining records and preparing regular reports.
How to become a Police Officer
The requirements to become a Police Officer vary between states, so check with the police force in your state or territory for specific details. Typically, all Australian Police Officers must hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency and pass an extensive application process.
- 1.Hold Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
- 2.A high school certificate or equivalent may be required in some states or territories if you're under 21 years of age.
- 3.Hold a full driver’s licence.
- 4.Achieve a Level 1 First Aid Certificate.
- 5.Demonstrate active work experience.
- 6.Undertake the application process to become a Police Recruit and begin training. You may have to pass eligibility checks, an entrance exam, background checks, fitness testing, psychological testing, health checks and a final interview.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Police Officers.Latest Police Officer jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Police Officer jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Police Officer employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Public Safety
Crime Prevention
Provisional Drivers Licence
Emergency Response
Community Engagement
Full Drivers Licence
Road Safety
Community Liaison
Forensics
Incident Response
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Police Officer reviews
5.0Jun 2025
My career is a rewarding but often demanding journey, marked by strong teamwork and significant growth, though occasionally challenged by heavy workloads and large-organization complexities
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationGovernment & Defence
The good thingsWhat I truly appreciate about my career is the dynamic and collaborative environment. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn, pushing me to constantly develop my skills and knowl...
The challengesWhile there's much to appreciate about my job was that there are a few aspects that I find challenging. The workload can sometimes be incredibly demanding, particularly during peak seasons or when une...
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5.0Aug 2023
Identity to be proud of
Reviewer's QualificationMaster of Criminology
Experience10+ years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationGovernment & Defence
The good thingsBeing a police officer, whether in front line uniform patrol, criminal investigation or supportive roles, you can make a difference from individual level to the whole community. Your rewarding career ...
The challengesComplaints against police due to misunderstanding is one that really jeopardizing the healthy relationship between the public and police. Police works have never been well recognized and appreciated. ...
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au