It’s that time of the year when schools end and school leavers have to start preparing for their first jobs. For many young people, the choice is simple—a career in public service. Choosing to enter this field means that an individual will have the opportunity to assist people in need.
If this sounds like you, then you may already have reached out to the Queensland police union for the necessary information required for your initial application. If you’re one of these individuals, then this article is a must-read.
Making a Difference is Easier than You Think
When it comes to working in the Australian Police Sector, it’s essential to know that there’s a stringent application process. Having an idea of what may be required allows you to prepare documents and necessities in advance. This may give you the head start that you need to be appointed. We’ve compiled a list of the top criteria to be aware of.
1. You Need to Meet the Age Requirement
As eager as you may be to join the Police Force to start working, the first criterion you need to meet is the age requirement. All applicants must have turned 18 before they can submit their first application and must be Australian citizens at the time they apply.
Students who have left school early are encouraged to take up volunteer work as this will not only help to develop social maturity but will also introduce you to helping people. This will give you an idea of what you may be dealing with in a job that serves the local community.
2. Know What the Application Process Entails
The application process has a range of different criteria that must be met before you will even be considered for approval. There is no specific period associated with each step and moving on will be determined by the time it takes to finalise each process.
Some of the more common criteria that may be on your application process may include the ones listed below:
- Various integrity checks which often include submitting references
- In-depth checks for outstanding warrants with authorities in local, state, and international sectors
- Availability for reviews and assessments (being readily available may speed up the process)
- Confirmation of valid Australian Open driver’s licence (learner’s permits won’t be considered)
- Applicant should obtain a Negative Vetting 1 Security Clearance
- Positive of your QPSEA tests
- Potential vacancies in the applicant’s home jurisdiction (many applicants are prepared to relocate to areas where there are vacancies)
3. Take the QPSEA
Potential applicants will be required to complete a series of stringent application tests more commonly referred to as the Queensland Police Service Entrance Assessment or QPSEA. These tests are generally administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).
This is done on behalf of the Queensland Police Sector and involves assessing the following criteria:
- Digital literacy
- Numeracy
- Literacy
- Written assessments
- Reasoning ability
4. Sign Up for Training
Once the general assessments and QPSEA tests have been finalised and passed, an applicant will be expected to undergo a strenuous 25-week training program. This is the official police recruit training, and it’s recommended to keep yourself physically fit enough to pass this test.
This is especially necessary if the process takes longer than you had initially anticipated. After all, you wouldn’t want to drop out at this stage, after having made it through the stringent application process.
Once you have completed the physical exam, you will also need to pass a 12-month First Year Constable (FYC) Program. This also includes doing three years of probationary general duties. This will give you extensive exposure to various departments within the Police Force. The goal here is to find the area where you are best suited.
5. Consider Application to a Specialised Unit
Many applicants join their local Police Sectors with the goal of eventually working in specialised units. It’s essential to make this goal known to your superiors during the FYC phase.
It’s easier to be picked for training or considered for positions in these departments if you make your interest in them known. You can also approach these department heads for criteria that you need to fulfil to join these departments in the future. The most common specialised units that you can apply for include the following:
- The Traffic Branch
- The Dog Squad
- The Scenes of Crimes Department
While you will be required to complete your first three years as a General Duties Officer, it may be possible to volunteer in the specialised unit you hope to work in. At the very least, spending time in these departments will help you assess whether you have the skills for the position you think you want.
Final Thoughts
Working in the Australian Police Sector is a rewarding career where individuals can help people in their local communities navigate through difficult experiences. Use our guidelines and suggestions to increase your chances of a successful application and you may just be your community’s next appointment!
