The Top 10 Questions Asked About Joining the NSW Police Force

Curious about becoming a NSW Police Officer? We’ve put together a list of the questions most asked by applicants, so you know all the answers before you apply. 

1. What are the benefits? 

• 200+ jobs in one career 

• Paid Training: $1360 (gross) a week for Session Two 

• Highest Paid Police Recruits in Australia 

• Free accommodation and meals at the NSWPF Academy 

• The only Policing Jurisdiction where applicants receive a formal qualification 

• 6 weeks annual leave 

2. What will my first year look like?

As a probationary constable, you’ll start out in ‘General Duties’. Some of the things you will be involved with include: 

• motor vehicle incidents 

• armed robberies 

• domestic dispute issues 

• stealing offences 

• assaults 

• patrolling and high visibility policing.  

You’ll be partnered with a Field Training and Assessment Officer (FTAO) for the first couple of months, who will be there to help you learn and adjust to working in the NSW Police Force. There will also be a local Education Development Officer (EDO), to assist with your work and study. 

3. When can I apply to join a specialised unit? 

Before you can join a specialised unit in the NSW Police Force you will need to complete 3 years of general duties policing. After that you have access to over 200 jobs including forensics, dog units and aviation command.  

4. How fit do I need to be? 

You’ll need to pass the PCT (Physical Capability Testing) to join the NSW Police Force, which involves: 

Hand grip strength - 30kg on each hand  

Prone bridge - 90 seconds  

Vertical jump - 30cm or greater  

Illinois agility - 20 seconds or less  

Multi-stage fitness (beep test) - Level 7.1  

Push Ups – 25 

5. Can I have tattoos? 

Yes! You can have tattoos, but there are some restrictions. Take a look at the tattoo and body modification policy for the full details.  

Once you lodge your application, you’ll need to tell your case manager about your tattoos, who will assess them in line with the tattoo and body modification policy. 

6. Do I need a NSW drivers licence to apply? 

Yes, you need a current NSW drivers’ licence and/or held a licence outside NSW. You must be on your Red P plates for 6 months before you can apply. 

7. How old do I have to be to apply? 

You have to be at least 18 years old to apply for the NSW Police. 

8. Do I have to be an Australian citizen? 

To join the NSW Police, you will need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or have Australian permanent residency. 

9. What documents do I need? 

During the application process you’ll need: 

A Declaration and Consent form: Submitted as a PDF, in colour and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace  

Your Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence and Passport: Submitted as a PDF, in colour and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace  

Photo of yourself: Shoulders up against a blank wall. Submitted as a JPEG 

10. Do I need to be able to swim? 

Yes, you’ll need to pass the Aquatic Rescue Sequence (ARS) to join the NSW Police Force. The ARS is designed to test the applicant's ability to enter the water safely in the event of a rescue and must be supervised and assessed by a fully licensed or accredited swimming instructor, teacher or coach.  

You can book this test with your local council pool or swim centre and is valid for 5 years from the date you pass the test. 

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re keen to look into applying, or you still have a few questions, you can find out more through the NSW Police’s recruitment portal. You can also find all the academy intake dates here.