AustralianCourses
Career pathway

Police

ANZSCO 4413

Employed

70,100

Part-time share

5%

Female share

28%

Median weekly earnings

$2,560

Median age

40 yrs

Employment outlook

Growing

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

About this career

Police protect and preserve property, public order and safety through the enforcement of laws.

What they typically do

  • Investigating and prosecuting offences committed in areas such as organised, corporate and computer crime, environmental offences, drug trafficking, fraud, counterfeiting and terrorism
  • Securing and examining scenes of crimes and accidents to locate and obtain evidence for analysis
  • Protecting witnesses and investigating official corruption
  • Maintaining public order and safety
  • Patrolling assigned areas to minimise potential for public disturbance and crime
  • Investigating accidents, crimes, minor offences and citizens' complaints, gathering evidence, and pursuing, arresting and interviewing suspected offenders
  • Testing persons suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and issuing infringement notices for traffic offences
  • Directing and re-routing traffic at congested areas
  • Attending community meetings and answering inquiries from the public where necessary
  • Providing advice and assistance to victims of crime and their families
  • Maintaining records and preparing reports

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
28.6%
VIC
23.3%
QLD
20.9%
WA
10.5%
SA
7.4%
NT
4.4%
ACT
2.6%
TAS
2.3%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Police.

  • Advanced Diploma of Surveillance

    POL62422 · AQF 6 · 2 providers

    View qualification
  • Advanced Diploma of Police Investigation

    POL65125 · AQF 6 · 3 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue)

    PUA30322 · AQF 3 · 6 providers

    View qualification
  • Advanced Diploma of Police Witness Protection

    POL60521 · AQF 6 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community Policing

    POL30125 · AQF 3 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Protective Services

    POL41225 · AQF 4 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Advanced Diploma of Policing

    11000NAT · AQF 6 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Technical Surveillance

    11211NAT · AQF 4 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Certificate IV in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue Management)

    PUA42619 · AQF 4 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Advanced Diploma of Police Close Personal Protection

    POL60121 · AQF 6 · 1 providers

    View qualification
  • Advanced Diploma of Police Supervision

    POL60118 · AQF 6 · 0 providers

    View qualification
  • Advanced Diploma of Police Search and Rescue Management

    POL60626 · AQF 6 · 0 providers

    View qualification