Police Officer
ANZSCO 441312
55,400
8%
29%
41 yrs
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.
About this career
Police Officers maintain public order, and enforce laws by investigating crimes, patrolling public areas and arresting suspected offenders.
What they typically do
- Investigates and prosecutes offences.
- Secures and examines crime and accident scenes to obtain evidence.
- Protects witnesses and investigates corruption.
- Maintains public order and safety.
- Patrols assigned areas to prevent public disturbance and crime.
- Investigates accidents, crimes, minor offences and citizens' complaints, gathering evidence, and pursuing, arresting and interviewing suspected offenders.
- Tests drivers suspected of using alcohol/other drugs and issues infringement notices for traffic offences.
- Directs and re-routes traffic at congested areas.
- Attends meetings and answers inquiries.
- Provides advice and assistance to crime victims and their families.
- Keeps records and prepares reports.
States and territories
Share of workers by location
Qualification pathways
These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Police Officer.
- View qualification
Diploma of Policing
POL50124 · AQF 5 · 4 providers
- View qualification
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
Graduate Certificate in Police Management
POL80225 · AQF 8 · 1 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
Graduate Certificate in Police Prosecution
POL87125 · AQF 8 · 1 providers
- View qualification
Diploma of Crash Investigation
POL50125 · AQF 5 · 0 providers
- View qualification
Diploma of Crash Analysis
POL50325 · AQF 5 · 0 providers
- View qualification
Diploma of Police Bomb Technical Response
POL50226 · AQF 5 · 0 providers
- View qualification
Diploma of Police Search and Rescue Coordination
POL50726 · AQF 5 · 1 providers
- View qualification
Advanced Diploma of Police Search and Rescue Management
POL60626 · AQF 6 · 0 providers