Policing in the Territory is an experience like no other – it demands many skills both physical and mental. Working as a NT Police Public Safety Officer is much more than a job, it’s a rewarding career and lifestyle choice.
Police Public Safety Officers are sworn officers who enhance community safety through highly visible, flexible patrols which focus on reducing alcohol-related harm and antisocial behaviour across the bus networks, public housing properties and public places.
As a NT Police Public Safety Officer, you must be prepared for the unexpected. We are looking for mature and responsible people, who can think on their feet, who are resilient and are compassionate.
Applicants who have an interest and willingness to serve in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs are encouraged to apply!
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The NT Police Force is committed to making the Police Public Safety Officer stream a career of choice by providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities. This intent of the PPSO stream is to allow members to progress in their career at all service locations.
NTPF recognises and values different characteristics of all applicants and the ‘ages and stages’ of their lives. We are committed to strengthening our capability through diversity and welcome applications from everyone. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
Training
The Recruit Police Public Safety Officer training course incorporates 18 weeks paid, full-time training in Darwin at the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services College at the Peter McAulay Centre, Berrimah.
Police Public Safety 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.
The course is demanding and involves physical training and learning legislation, operational safety tactics, driver training, information systems and much more.
After graduation, Police Public Safety Officers will be posted to various locations (Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek or Alice Springs).
Minimum requirements
Police Public Safety Officers must:
- at the commencement of training be at least 18 years of age
- be either an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or have permanent resident status in Australia
- be physically fit and healthy
- have Year 10 or equivalent education level; or a completed trade certificate; or be able to demonstrate considerable employment experience and life skills
- have the ability to pass an assessment consisting of computer based cognitive and psychological testing
- have general computing skills
- have the ability to swim 100m without interruption (forward facing stroke - breaststroke, freestyle or butterfly)
- possess a current provisional or open drivers licence
- possess qualification equivalent to Provide First Aid (also known as Apply First Aid/Senior First Aid)
- be of good character.
Selection process
If your initial application is approved the below processes will follow:
- Suitability background checks will be performed to identify any criminal/traffic offences.
- Cognitive assessment.
- Fitness assessment.
- Panel interview.
- Referee checks.
- Pre-employment medical.
- Probity checks.
(Please note: candidates who fail to meet the required standards may be excluded from submitting an application for a determined period and will be notified in writing).
If you have any questions, you can contact the NT Police Recruitment at ShapeYourFuture@pfes.nt.gov.au or call 1800 005 099.
Remuneration and allowances
Police Public Safety Officers enjoy attractive remuneration which includes a number of allowances:
| Rank | Base rate | Inclusive of 23% consolidated allowance and 5% GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit during training | $71,220 | Allowance not paid during training |
| PPSO | $71,220 | Allowances paid |
Consolidated allowance
Consolidated allowance is 23% of the officer’s annual salary. Payment of this allowance starts at the commencement of duties at their geographical location at the completion of training.
General policing allowance
Police Public Safety Officers performing general duties will receive the general policing allowance of 5% of their annual salary.
Night shift allowance
Police Public Safety Officers who work rostered shift work that extended into night shift rostered periods will be paid an allowance of 15% of the officer’s base annual salary converted to an hourly rate.
The above allowances do not apply to Recruit Police Public Safety Officers.
Accommodation
The NTPF will provide barracks accommodation to Recruit Police Public Safety Officers during training to those Recruits who do not live in Darwin.
Housing allowance
Housing allowance will be offered to Police Public Safety Officers based in Katherine and Alice Springs to the amount of $15,923.48 per annum.
Police Public Safety Officers based in Tennant Creek are afforded free NT Government (NTG) Employee Housing aligned with conditions offered to all NTG employees serving the township.
Leave
Police Public Safety Officers will receive seven weeks (280hrs) recreation per annum.
Four weeks (20 days) personal leave on commencement of employment and per annum.
Become a Police Public Safety Officer
Apply today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What specific changes are being introduced?
- 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.
- In which locations will these changes take place?
PPSOs will be posted in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, and Tennant Creek.
- What is the timeline for these changes?
PPSOs are anticipated to commence training from December 2025 and be deployed in the first half of 2026.
- What authority or powers will PPSOs have under the new model?
PPSOs will keep the existing powers of FLPAs, PALIs, PHSOs, and TSOs, while combining them into a single, consolidated role.
- What responsibilities and tasks will PPSOs perform?
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.
- What are the eligibility requirements for PPSOs?
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.
- Will security services continue while PPSOs are undergoing training?
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.
- How will PPSOs be identifiable to the public?
PPSOs will wear distinct uniforms and use clearly marked vehicles identifying them as part of the NT Police Force and as PPSOs.
- Will a criminal record or traffic offence history exclude me from applying?
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.
- Can I submit more than one application for the NT Police Force at a time?
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.
- Where can I access more information?
Additional information, including recruitment details, will be provided here over the coming weeks.