FAQs

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 six-week training course at the Oxley Police Academy in Brisbane. Paid travel and accommodation is provided for regional recruits.

A six-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 5 January - Friday 13 February 2026
• Monday 2 March – Friday 10 April 2026
• Monday 27 April – Friday June 5 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.

The recruitment and selection process comprises of multiple stages. Please note that participation in this process is entirely voluntary. However, a failure to successfully complete each of the following components may impact the progression of one's application:

• 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.
• Referee checks. Issues such as integrity, character and conduct for appointment as a Protective Services Officer may be addressed with your referee.
• Integrity vetting. This requires disclosure of serious disciplinary action taken in accordance with the Public Service Commission
  Directive - Post Separation Discipline.
• Medical examination with a QPS Pre-Employment Medical Screening (PEMS) provider. Applicants who are recommended for appointment will be responsible for payment of a pre-employment medical cost to be paid directly to the provider.
• Participate in an online ACER assessment (unless exempt). Exemptions: Holds a Certificate IV or higher, Security Provider Licence, successful AWO ACER assessment (within 12 months of sitting the assessment), successful QPS Entrance Assessment (within 3 years of sitting the assessment).

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.