Frequently Asked Questions (PSO)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Protective Service Officers (PSO)

What is a PSO?

PSOs are AFP employees who provide services such as:

  • static point guarding
  • visitor control
  • alarm monitoring and response
  • mobile patrols
  • security consultancy services and
  • counter-terrorist first response at major airports around Australia.

Where are PSOs located?

Protective Service Officers are located at a number of Commonwealth establishments including:

  • Parliament House in Canberra;
  • the residences of the Governor-General and the Prime Minister;
  • foreign embassies and missions in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth;
  • Joint Defence Facilities and at major Australian Airports.

PSOs also have the opportunity to join AFP national and international operations and international peace-keeping missions.

Do I have to be an Australian citizen to apply?

You do not have to be an Australian citizen to apply, but there is an expectation that you will be an Australian citizen to be engaged as an AFP employee.

Only in exceptional circumstances will the Commissioner consider engaging a person who is not an Australian citizen.

Please note, the AFP does not offer sponsorship for non-citizens.

I have a security clearance from another department/organisation—will this assist me with my application?

The AFP will still conduct its own security checks. If, however, you are able to provide the relevant details/documentation, please do so.

What are the PSO pay scales and working conditions?

When PSO are doing training they are paid at an AFP Band 2.1.

The AFP has generous leave entitlements and other conditions which you can find on pay and conditions.

How often does the AFP recruit PSOs?

AFP PSO recruitment needs vary from year to year depending on organisational and government demands. However, applications are accepted at any time through the AFP’s online application system.

Are there any age restrictions for PSO recruitment?

The AFP recruits people from age 18. We value life experience and there is no maximum age limit providing the individual is considered fit to perform duties.

Does the AFP have minimum education requirements for PSO recruits?

There are currently no formal educational qualifications required for employment as a Protective Service Officer.

Do I have to have a driver’s license?

For PSO roles you need a full driver’s license. This means you cannot have a Learner or Provisional plates.

How current should my first aid be?

You must possess a current Senior First Aid Certificate for the duration of the course, and for the first six months of employment.

Do I need to meet a particular medical standard to be recruited?

Yes.

The entry requirements for PSO roles are provided in medical standard for recruits.

If you have a specific medical condition and you wish to know if it precludes you from AFP employment, please contact the AFP Recruitment Team. If necessary the Recruitment Team will consult the AFP’s Medical Service provider for advice.

If I have diabetes will this preclude me from applying?

Insulin dependent diabetes need not exclude you from joining the AFP PSO for training as a recruit, or being a sworn member.

There may be later restrictions on operational deployment overseas, depending on the area of operations and level of medical support services available.

You will need to provide proof from your treating doctors (including specialists) that:

  1. that the condition is under good control (laboratory evidence were applicable);
  2. there are no restrictions to holding a driver’s licence
  3. there has been no history within the last two years of hypoglycaemic events.

If I have asthma, will this preclude me from applying?

Asthma need not exclude you from joining the AFP PSO for training as a recruit, or being a sworn member.

There may be later restrictions on operational deployment overseas, depending on the area of operations and level of medical support services available.

You will need to provide proof from your treating doctors (including specialists) that:

  1. that the condition is under good control (laboratory evidence were applicable)
  2. there are no contra-indications to holding a driver’s licence
  3. there has been no history within the last two years of severe asthma attacks

Do I have to be a minimum height to join the AFP?

There is no minimum height requirement for PSO recruits. People of all shapes and sizes are needed, as long as they are fit and healthy.

Do I need to have experience in the Security industry or military services to join the AFP?

There is no requirement for security experience. The AFP values people with a varied life experiences.

Does the AFP place an emphasis on physical strength?

The key strengths required to police modern society are intellect and good interpersonal skills. Studies show that upper body strength is required in relatively few instances and that intelligence, good communication and negotiation skills lessen the likelihood of conflict situations developing. For PSO recruits, the AFP does have minimum fitness standards.

What level of physical fitness is required?

The Pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment will determine your level of physical fitness and these results will form part of the application process and medical material about your general level of health and fitness. For more information, see minimum fitness standards.

What can I do to prepare for the fitness test?

These exercise programs are based on the fitness tests conducted and have been developed to help you prepare for the Pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment:

Will my sexual orientation prohibit me from joining the AFP?

The AFP believes that sexual orientation does not affect an individual’s ability to do the job. The Gay and Lesbian Officer Network provides support to its members and also advises management on strategies and initiatives for managing relationships with the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and intersexual communities.

Does the AFP employ people from non-English speaking backgrounds or from different ethnic groups?

Yes. The AFP mirrors the Australian community by employing people from a wide diversity of backgrounds. Currently, AFP staff speak 59 different languages including sign language. Many internal networks, such as the Malunggang Indigenous Officer Network, exist to support staff.

I am still at school and considering a future in the AFP. Are there any subjects/curriculum favoured by the AFP that would enhance my chances for employment?

There are no particular preferred subjects. The AFP is interested in good results and a capacity to think critically. Selection for AFP employment is highly competitive. We look for sound academic performance and encourage you to pursue subjects you are interested in which develop your thinking skills. Good results in these areas will indicate how well you are likely to do with police training requirements. Many people are interested in AFP employment and this makes selection competitive. On this basis and the nature of contemporary policing, the AFP tends to favour applicants with significant life experience and relevant skills and training.

What is the process for PSO recruitment?

The process for PSO recruitment is designed to ensure applicants meet both the AFP’s entry requirements and that they have a high potential for successfully meeting the challenges and demands of the role. This usually involves:

  1. submitting your online application and supporting documentation;
  2. meeting the minimum requirements;
  3. meeting designated standards on entry testing (aptitude and psychological screening);
  4. undertaking a pre-entry Physical Competency Assessment;
  5. having a security check;
  6. having a medical examination;
  7. undergoing a urine-analysis for illicit drug use; and
  8. attending training.

For more information, see How to apply.

What does the Assessment centre involve?

An Assessment Centre is typically a series of exercises designed to measure an applicant’s suitability against selection criteria.  It is tailored to fit the requirements of the specific positions advertised using multiple assessment techniques and multiple assessors. This gives applicants the opportunity to display their skills on a range of job-relevant tasks.

You will be required to undertake:

  1. Individual Interview;
  2. Written Exercise (applicants are given a scenario and asked to answer a number of questions on this);
  3. Group discussion (again applicants are given a scenario and asked to answer a number of questions on this);
  4. Individual Presentation; and
  5. Cognitive Testing, applicants sit four different cognitive tests designed to test the applicant’s aptitude in mathematics, language, spelling, grammar and common reasoning.

What does it mean if I do not progress in my application as a result of the Assessment Centre?

Unsuccessful applicants may apply one year after testing.

What is involved in the security clearance process?

Applicants for the AFP should be aware that the security clearance process can be intrusive in nature and includes (but is not limited to) detailed background, character, employment, police and financial checks.

How long does PSO recruit training take?

The length of training for a Protective Service officer recruit is 11 weeks.

Is the AFP College affiliated with a university?

The AFP College is a Registered Training Organisation; however it is not affiliated with any university.

If I live in Canberra, do I have to live at the College during training?

Yes, it is a standard AFP requirement for recruits to live-in at the College during training.

Can my family stay with me while I am at the AFP College?

Unfortunately no, due to the single accommodation arrangements at the College. You may choose, however, to organise other nearby accommodation for your family at your own expense. Generally, once you successfully complete your training requirements, the AFP will cover all reasonable expenses associated with moving your family to the location where you are initially deployed (if it differs from your home location).

Do I have a say in where I am deployed after recruit training?

The AFP recruits nationally and deploys staff around Australia in response to operational requirements. This means we target recruitment campaigns to respond to emerging needs. Recruitment campaigns may be for deployment to any area of the AFP or to specific areas of operations. If you are not interested in deployment to areas notified by a particular recruitment campaign, consider deferring your application to a future recruitment intake.

All PSO recruits need to be conscious of the fact that the Commissioner has the power to assign members at any time to any place he considers appropriate for the performance of the AFP's functions. You can check regularly for new campaigns and deployment opportunities by adding the AFP website to your ‘favourites’.

If I join the AFP is it likely that I will be seriously injured?

Recent statistics show that policing in Australia has a lower incidence of workplace injuries than occupations like farming and nursing. In fact, workplace injuries for AFP employees match the average for the whole of the Australian Public Service.

Do all AFP PSO members wear uniforms?

Yes, all operational PSOs will be required to wear uniforms in the workplace.

Can you transfer from being a PSO to a Police Officer?

A PSO applicant can be identified as a distinct recruiting stream for sworn police roles, and the recruitment process is streamlined with a shorter application form developed to reflect PSO skills and experience.  A PSO is required to complete the full Federal Police Development Program. There is no conversion or transition course for PSOs.

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