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 | $91,161.60 |
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 changes are being introduced?
On 18 June 2025, the Chief Minister announced the NT Government’s intent to establish Police Public Safety Officers (PPSOs), a new stream of policing attached to and managed by the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF).
This model consolidated the roles of Public Housing Safety Officers (PHSOs), Transit Safety Officers (TSOs) and Frontline Police Auxiliaries, including Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors, to provide a centralised and highly visible police response addressing anti-social behaviour across our bus networks, public housing premises and public spaces.
- What does it mean for the community?
It means a safer, more consistent safety presence across public areas, better value for public money, and a more visible, integrated force helping reduce crime and restore public confidence.
- How many PPSOs will there be?
There will be up to 212 PPSOs across the Territory.
- In which locations will these changes take place?
PPSOs will be posted in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
- What is the timeline for these changes?
PPSO Squad 1 commenced their 18-week training program at the Police College on 23 February 2026 and will graduate on 26 June 2026. Upon completion of their training program, the first squad of PPSOs will be deployed across Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs.
PPSO Squad 2 commenced their 18-week training program at the Police College on 11 May 2026 and will graduate on 11 September 2026. Upon completion of their training program, the first squad of PPSOs will be deployed across Darwin and Alice Springs.
- What authority or powers will PPSOs have under the new model?
PPSOs have been afforded a range of legislative powers to be able to exercise and perform those powers and duties to reduce alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour across licensed premises, public transport networks, public housing premises and public places.
- What roles and responsibilities will PPSOs perform?
The PPSO's role is to enhance community safety through highly visible, flexible patrols focused on reducing alcohol-related harm and anti-social behaviour across licensed premises, public transport networks, public housing premises and public places.
PPSO duties will include:- high-visibility patrols in public spaces (shopping centres, entertainment precincts and public amenities, including public housing properties, on public transport routes and bus interchanges) to deter anti-social 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.
The PPSO role does not include:- investigation of indictable offences
- enforcement of policing of traffic act offences
- being tasked by police communications as a first response to policing duties outside of social order incidents
- being stationed or seconded to specialist units
- being stationed or posted to a location outside of Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek or Alice Springs.
- Why become a PPSO?
Choosing to join the NTPF as a PPSO means stepping into a role that’s fast paced, community-focused and built for people who want to get out on the frontline.
As a PPSO, you will benefit from:
- Training pathway - a streamlined 18-week training program, specifically tailored to PPSO roles and responsibilities, gets you job-ready faster than the 32-week Constable course.
- Less paperwork more action - you won’t be tied up investigating serious criminal offences, giving you more time on the ground where it counts.
- No remote postings - PPSOs are based only in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek or Alice Springs. There is no requirement to relocate to remote communities.
- Frontline, high-visibility work - you’ll be out in the community responding to incidents, supporting public safety and making a visible impact every day.
- No traffic enforcement duties - your focus stays on community safety and anti-social behaviour, not traffic offences.
- A modern policing pathway - PPSOs are part of a new and evolving stream of policing in the NT, offering a fresh way to serve and protect.
- What are the fitness standards?
Find out about the fitness assessment requirements.
- What career progression opportunities are available for PPSOs?
The NTPF is committed to making the PPSO stream a rewarding and long-term career choice. This is supported through ongoing training, professional development and clearly defined progression pathways.
A structured PPSO rank system has been established, supported by the requirement to achieve nationally recognised qualifications for promotion. This creates a standalone career pathway with opportunities for advancement, leadership and professional growth.
The pathway is designed to attract, develop and retain PPSOs by offering clear progression opportunities, as well as dedicated supervision and management structures. It provides an autonomous and respected stream within policing.
Upon successfully completing their probation, PPSOs are awarded a Certificate IV in Protective Services (POL41215) accredited qualification. As part of future career development, additional qualifications, such as the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420), are being considered to support progression into supervisory and leadership roles.
Overall, the PPSO career pathway offers structured advancement, recognised qualifications and opportunities to grow within this policing stream.
- 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 a police uniform with blue and gold checkered banding to remain distinguishable from other sworn streams within the NTPF. They will use clearly marked vehicles identifying them 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 NTPF 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 PPSO 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?
Should you have any further questions or are interested in becoming a PPSO, please do not hesitate to contact NTPF Recruitment on email ShapeYourFuture@pfes.nt.gov.au or telephone 1800 005 099.