Police public safety officers (FAQs)

• A new stream of Police Public Safety Officers (PPSOs) will be formed by combining existing public sector safety functions across the NT, including Front Line Police Auxiliaries (FLPAs), Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALIs), Public Housing Safety Officers (PHSOs), and Transit Safety Officers (TSOs).
• Under the PPSO model, all officers will receive the same standardised training, equipping them with consistent knowledge and skills to address antisocial behaviour and safety issues in a coordinated manner across the community.

PPSOs will be posted in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, and Tennant Creek.

PPSOs are anticipated to commence training from December 2025 and be deployed in the first half of 2026.

PPSOs will keep the existing powers of FLPAs, PALIs, PHSOs, and TSOs, while combining them into a single, consolidated role.

PPSO duties will include:

• High-visibility patrols in public spaces (shopping centres, entertainment precincts and public amenities, including public housing complexes, on public transport routes and bus interchanges) to deter antisocial behaviour.
• Point-of-sale liquor interventions in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and Katherine during takeaway alcohol sale hours.
• Enforcement of the Liquor Act 2019 (NT), focusing on intelligence-led compliance.
• Joint operations with community safety partners to reduce alcohol-related harm and offending.
• Visible presence at major and local events to engage the community and maintain social order.
• Police Auxiliary roles, including police station front counter.

PPSO candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria. However, if you are interested in applying but do not meet every requirement, you are still encouraged to apply. The recruitment team will review your application and assess your suitability.

• Be at least 18 years of age upon commencement
• Be either an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or have permanent resident status in Australia
• Have Year 10 or equivalent education level; or a completed trade certificate; or be able to demonstrate considerable employment experience and life skills
• Be physically fit and healthy
• Have general computing skills
• Have a current first aid certificate
• Possess a high level of personal integrity, character and conduct
• Have a current provisional or open driver’s licence.

Yes. There will be a phased transition where PPSOs, TSOs, and PHSOs operate at the same time. Private security arrangements will also continue during this period.

PPSOs will wear distinct uniforms and use clearly marked vehicles identifying them as part of the NT Police Force and as PPSOs.

Applicants must make full disclosure in their application including all criminal and civil proceedings, all spent convictions, all traffic offences including traffic tickets and court appearances, all juvenile offences including police cautions, all Domestic Violence Order history and any bankruptcy proceedings.

If an applicant declares any of these matters their application may be taken before the Applicant Review Panel. Applicants will be advised and given the opportunity to provide a written response to the Applicant Review Panel. The Applicant Review Panel will make a determination about the applicant's suitability to proceed, based on available information and relevant internal guidelines.

The Northern Territory Police considers one application per person at a time. Applicants are assessed for the position they apply for, but the recruitment team may recommend them for another stream if their eligibility and selection criteria are a better match. For example, someone applying for a Police Public Safety Officer role may be offered a Constable position, if found suitable. Candidates will have the choice to accept or decline such a recommendation before joining the agency.

Additional information, including recruitment details, will be provided here over the coming weeks.