Police Officer

A Police Officer enforces laws, investigates crimes and maintains public safety. You might gather evidence of alleged criminal activity and appear in court during prosecution proceedings. Police Officers may attend to other duties such as attending traffic accident scenes or patrolling areas of concern. You might specialise in a particular type of policing such as traffic branch, dog squad or criminal investigations.

Police Officers should have good personal skills and be good at communicating with members of the public. You’ll need to be a good problem solver and have strong attention to detail. It’s important that you can work as part of a team and follow correct procedures when carrying out your duties.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $108,420
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a police officer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
22594VIC

Diploma of Justice
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 18 months
$0 - $8,371
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Prison Officer Correctional Officer
Youth Justice Officer Community Corrections Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Prison Officer Correctional Officer Youth Justice Officer Community Corrections Officer + 2 more
11029NAT

Course in Firearms and Weapons Safety (Approved for Firearms Licensing in Queensland)
On Campus
4 days
$250
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Security Guard Security Officer
Bodyguard
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Security Guard Security Officer Bodyguard + 1 more

Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$0 - $48,960
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Analyst Intelligence Analyst Police Officer
Probation Officer Correctional Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Analyst Intelligence Analyst Police Officer Probation Officer Correctional Officer + 2 more

Bachelor of Criminology
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $91,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Intelligence Analyst Parole Officer Police Officer
Probation Officer Law Enforcement Officer Correctional Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Intelligence Analyst Parole Officer Police Officer Probation Officer Law Enforcement Officer Correctional Officer + 3 more
10972NAT

Diploma of Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$1,800 - $9,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator
Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant + 4 more
10971NAT

Certificate IV in Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus, Online
5 weeks
$0 - $4,090
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator
Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant + 4 more

Bachelor of Arts (Criminology)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $85,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Prevention Officer Criminologist Police Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Prevention Officer Criminologist Police Officer

Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $72,720
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Criminologist Court Officer Criminal Investigator
Detective Parole Officer Police Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Criminologist Court Officer Criminal Investigator Detective Parole Officer Police Officer + 3 more

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (Criminology)
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $15,268
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Prevention Officer Detective Forensic Psychologist
Intelligence Officer Parole Officer Police Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Crime Prevention Officer Detective Forensic Psychologist Intelligence Officer Parole Officer Police Officer + 3 more

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$0 - $102,240
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Court Officer Criminal Investigator Criminologist
Detective Police Officer Parole Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Court Officer Criminal Investigator Criminologist Detective Police Officer Parole Officer + 3 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Duty Manager (Police Force)

A Duty Manager (Police Force) supervises police officers, assigns tasks, coordinates responses to incidents, and manages reports and public relations.

Avg yearly income $130,000
Skill level Unknown

Project Manager (Police Force)

Project Managers (Police Force) oversee police operations, community projects, and events, coordinating tasks and training while liaising with the public.

Avg yearly income $119,964
Skill level Unknown

Crime Prevention Officer

A Crime Prevention Officer enhances community safety by implementing crime prevention strategies, engaging with the public, and analysing crime trends.

Avg yearly income $82,680
Skill level Unknown

Law Enforcement Officer

Law Enforcement Officers maintain public order, enforce laws, prevent crime, and support community safety through investigations and emergency responses.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Unknown

Detective

Detectives investigate crimes by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with law enforcement to solve cases and ensure public safety.

Avg yearly income $130,000
Skill level Unknown

Crime Analyst

A Crime Analyst studies crime data to aid law enforcement in preventing and solving crimes by identifying patterns and providing insights.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Unknown

Chief of Police

A Chief of Police leads a police force to ensure community safety, overseeing operations, developing strategies, and managing personnel.

Avg yearly income $130,000
Skill level Unknown

Police Sergeant

A Police Sergeant supervises officers, coordinates operations, conducts investigations, and ensures effective law enforcement and community safety.

Avg yearly income $93,600
Skill level Unknown

Sheriff

A Sheriff enforces court orders, manages courtroom security, serves legal documents, and collaborates with law enforcement to uphold justice.

Avg yearly income $78,000
Skill level Unknown

Common questions

How much does a Police Officer earn?

In Australia, a full time Police Officer generally earns $2,085 per week ($108,420 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for a Police Officer?

The number of people working as a Police Officer has increased in recent years. There are currently 48,200 people employed in this job role compared to 46,700 five years ago. Police Officers may be employed across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Police Officer?

If you’re interested in applying to become a Police Officer, consider enrolling in a Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies. This course will develop your skills in interviewing, conflict resolution, investigations and court document preparation. You could also consider a Diploma or Advanced Diploma of Justice or a Certificate IV in Crime and Justice Studies.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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23rd December 2024

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14th November 2024

Your Guide to a Career in Human-Centred Design

21st October 2024

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