The role of police security officer is interesting, challenging and critical to the security of our state. That’s why we value and look for specific skills and qualities in all our candidates.
Successful police security officers come from a variety of backgrounds, but they have the following characteristics in common: strong communication skills, a community-minded approach and a cool head in stressful situations.
Learn more about the entry requirements for applying as a police security officer with SAPOL. Our quick self-assessment checklist can also help you confirm your eligibility.
Prior to selection you will have to provide a current Working with Children Check.
You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold Australian permanent residency to join SA Police.
To apply for the role of a Police Security Officer, you must be at least 17 years old.
If successful in your application, training for the police security officer qualification program can commence when you are at least 18 years old.
To apply for a position as a police security officer, you need to hold a C class (car) Australian driver’s licence. A provisional 2 (P2) licence is acceptable; however you must not have accrued any demerit points or be on Safer Driver Agreement.
To participate in academy training and police duties, you need to meet required medical standards. Our Police Medical Section will conduct a medical assessment to ensure you meet these standards.
There is currently no SAPOL policy or direction that requires applicants to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please note that SAPOL may refer you to a medical provider for the medical examination. The following link provides some further information What do I need to do before my assessment? – Corporate Health Group (chg.net.au)
Read more about our medical standards.
As a police security officer, you’ll need to maintain a high level of fitness to meet the physical demands of the job. Throughout the recruitment process, we will carry out physical examinations, including the 'Fit for duty' test, to evaluate your fitness level.
Applicants over the age of 35 will need to undertake an exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) before participating in physical testing.
Read more about the 'Fit for duty' test and the physical testing you will undertake during the recruitment process.
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent is highly desirable. If you haven’t completed Year 12, we will consider other evidence of your ability to cope with the academic aspects of training and the demands of police security officer duties.
As a police security officer, you need to obtain a basic first aid certificate prior to commencing at the Police Academy. You can get this by completing a one-day course with one of the following organisations or an accredited organisation of your choice:
Your training should cover bleeding control and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
You will need to obtain a Working With Children Check upon offer of employment as a Police Security Officer.
At this time there is no SAPOL policy or direction that requires applicants to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Applicants are required to successfully complete the SAPOL Recruitment Test after submitting their application, unless they qualify for an exemption.
The test covers the minimum requirements for reading and writing. Currently, applicants are required to complete the SAPOL Recruitment Test in person. Work is in progress to make the test available to applicants online before the end of the current financial year.
The current pass marks for the SAPOL Recruitment Test for police security officers are:
We understand that, due to geographical restrictions, interstate applicants and those living in regional South Australia may have difficulty attending our standard testing program.
Once we accept your application, we’ll invite you to undertake some components of the initial testing and panel interview remotely. Applicants who are successful in these areas will then be invited to a three-day recruitment event that takes place at Police Headquarters. You’ll begin with the SAPOL Recruitment Test on a Monday and complete all other required testing and evaluations over the following two days.
A cost-of-living allowance will be paid to successful applicants upon commencement at the Police Academy. This is currently $4531.28.
Applicants who meet the following criteria are not required to complete the SAPOL Recruitment Test (TAFE SA):-
This exemption does not apply to volunteer work such as State Emergency Service (SES) or Country Fire Service (CFS).
For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions