Protective Services Officers are sworn staff members of the Queensland Police Service. They have legislative powers under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 to provide security to State Government precincts and work closely with police officers in providing these services.
No - however, you must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Hold a current first aid and CPR certificate.
- Be an Australian citizen or resident in Australia with permission, under Commonwealth law, to work in Australia.
- Be able to complete the paid seven-week training course at the Oxley Police Academy in Brisbane. Paid travel and accommodation is provided for regional recruits.
- Meet the minimum educational requirements (Year 10 Certificate or above)
Also read:
PSG Health Standards
PSG Declarable Associations
PSG Integrity Guidelines
A seven-week training course is conducted at the Oxley Police Academy in Brisbane. Recruits will be paid for the duration of the course.
Paid travel and accommodation is provided for regional recruits.
Training to become a Protective Services Officer includes both theoretical and practical components on legislation, ethics and integrity, policies and procedures specific to the Protective Services Group, and operational skills and tactics training. Completion of the full training program is mandatory. Upon successful completion of the training, officers will graduate and be allocated to a site with further on-the-job mentoring provided.
Upcoming recruit training courses:
- Monday 19 January - Friday 6 March 2026
- Monday 16 March – Friday 1 May 2026
- Monday 18 May – Friday 3 July 2026
Starting role is OO3 Senior Protective Services Officer with a pay rate of $66,840 plus superannuation, allowances and penalty rates for shift work.
See full pay rate list - QPS Protective Services Pay Rates 2025
Opportunity for career development through further training in areas such as leadership and management. Salary sacrifice arrangements.
Comprehensive health, welfare, and career support services. Leave assistance for approved study.
Protective Services Group offers employees:
- Government employment
- A broad range of leave entitlements, including long service, parental leave, Domestic Violence leave and leave assistance for approved study
- Flexible work options
- A supported recruitment, training and induction program
- Generous superannuation and salary packaging schemes
- Opportunity for career mobility and access to professional development relevant to career and ambitions, and
- Comprehensive health, welfare and carer support services.
Expression of Interest
If you are interested in applying to become a Protective Services Officer, you can complete an EOI via the EOI form. If you meet the eligibility requirements listed, you will be asked to upload supporting documentation. If your application is progressed, you will be invited to –
- Participate in a psychological assessment (safe select) process that evaluates an applicant's psychological suitability and person-job fit for the role of a Protective Services Officer.
- Participation in a formal panel interview (via Microsoft Teams).
- QPS Integrity Vetting. This requires disclosure of serious disciplinary action taken in accordance with the Public Service Commission
Directive - Post Separation Discipline. - Undergo Medical Screening by Workforce Health Assessors . Applicants who are recommended for appointment will be responsible for payment of a pre-employment medical cost to be paid directly to the provider.
- Referee checks. Issues such as integrity, character and conduct for appointment as a Protective Services Officer may be addressed with your referee.
Once you pass all of the above-mentioned stages of the recruitment process, you may progress to the mandatory 7-week PAID training course held at the Queensland Police Service Academy in Oxley, Brisbane.
Protective Services Group offers a diverse range of career opportunities and work arrangements throughout Queensland, including, but not limited to:
- Brisbane
- Bundaberg
- Cairns
- Ipswich
- Rockhampton
- Toowoomba
- Maroochydore
- Caboolture
- Gladstone
- Mackay
- Southport
- Townsville
Protective Services Group work patterns vary depending upon the position being applied for. Some of the work patterns include:
- 8-hour shifts - Monday to Friday. Employees on this work pattern can have one rostered day off per roster period.
- 12-hour shifts - Two day shifts (6am to 6pm) and two night shifts (6pm to 6am) followed by four rest days. This rotating roster includes weekends and public holidays. Additional shift penalties and allowances will apply.
- Casual and part-time work is available.