A career as a police security officer is much more than just an ordinary security job. Attached to SA Police’s Police Security Services Branch, police security officers play a key role in the safety of our community by contributing to South Australia’s counter terrorism strategies.
As a police security officer you will be a valued member of the SA Police team that is highly regarded by the community. You will be a crucial part of police operations, creating a safer and more secure environment for government employees and members of the community accessing government facilities.
You’ll be part of a team that works around-the-clock shifts to carry out static and mobile security duties, along with 24-hour alarm monitoring and CCTV surveillance. In addition of expanded roles which will include security of people, places and property.
SA Police's Protective Security Section, District Support Section and Security Control Centre services are provided 24/7. Police security officers work eight-hour shifts however overtime is a requirement at some locations. Police security officers are not sworn police officers however may carry firearms and are trained in police operational safety techniques and the use of the Government Radio Network.
To gain more insight into working as a Police Security Officer – either within the Protective Security Section, District Support Section or Security Control Centre, watch the videos below.
The role of the Physical Security Section (PSS) is to provide physical security services to South Australian Government clients through static guards and mobile security patrols.
The functions include:
If you work within the PSS you will either work in the static sites or school patrols. The static sites are mostly within the Central Business District (CBD) and generally work a day and afternoon shift with weekends off. You will use your authorities when required and maintain a highly visible presence to ensure the security of the building and occupants by checking visitors and occupants and conducting foot patrols.
School patrols have a 24/7 requirement and work from seven SAPOL patrol bases:
At the start of your shift you attend a parade with local police then maintain a highly visible presence by patrolling a designated area in a marked Police Security vehicle and physically checking school premises and attending to alarms.
The role of the Security Control Centre is to provide police security services to government clients by monitoring alarms and CCTV networks.
The functions include:
Security Control Centre Operators are generally attracted to this type of work if they prefer an office based environment that is central to delivering positive outcomes for the community. It can be exciting and fast paced but requires attention to detail, excellent situational awareness and the ability to critically observe, monitor and action situations that may affect public safety.
The role of the District Support Section is to support the frontline services by providing assistance with specific duties with a focus on the security of people, places and property which includes the guarding and transportation of Mental Health detainees and police prisoners between hospitals and custodial facilities.
The role will also include working as a cell guard in metropolitan custodial facilities.
At SA Police, our police security officers receive security training to the highest standards. You’ll also:
In addition to up to five weeks paid annual leave each year, you will have access to entitlements for:
Other benefits include:
You will also receive a salary whilst training and have opportunities for professional growth and development.
The salary structure for police security officers is below:
| Rank increment range | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Police security officer trainee | $52,335 |
| Police security officer | $66,590 - $70,968 |
| Senior police security officer | $75,430 - $79,070 |
| PSO Sergeant | $80,877- $86,461 |
Shift allowances are paid in addition to normal salary.