And the whole community benefits
So you’ve finished uni, gained your degree and now you’re wondering what to do. Have you ever thought about joining the NSW Police Force?
Tertiary education skills, including researching, problem-solving and analytical ability are essential in providing quality policing on the job. Tertiary studies in a range of fields are directly relevant to police work including law, management, arts, humanities and social sciences.
While all NSW police officers are initially required to perform general duties for the first three years of employment, your previous studies may help you decide which area of specialist policing you may wish to eventually move into.
These areas of specialisation include forensics, criminal investigation and police prosecutors – just to name a few. There are more than 100 career paths to choose from so the possibilities are endless.
A career in the NSW Police Force offers you excitement, challenge, variety and flexibility and you will be helping to keep the community free from violence, crime and fear. Some of the incentives include a starting salary of $50,000 and six weeks’ annual leave.
Do I need to do further study?
There are several pathways of entry into the NSW Police Force and even if you have already completed a degree you are still required to undertake a NSW Police-approved course of study. Currently the approved course of study is the Associate Degree in Policing Practice (ADPP).
The ADPP is a program of study offered jointly by the NSW Police Force and Charles Sturt University. The aim of the course is to provide students of policing with the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for them to perform the duties of a NSW police officer.
ADPP students can choose to study on campus at the Police College at Goulburn or can elect to commence their studies at home via the Distance Education option.
At the completion of the first session of studies, the Distance Education students will then attend the Police College and join the on-campus students to complete the second session of the ADPP course.
Scholarships may be available to some successful applicants and vary in value up to $12,000. Students applying for the ADPP must meet professional, academic and financial criteria in order to qualify for a scholarship.
What if I am not graduating but have started a university course?
An alternative study pathway for entry into policing is through one of several recognised university courses. Students can complete the Bachelor of Policing at the University of Western Sydney’s Bankstown Campus.
Information regarding the Bachelor of Policing program is available from the University’s School of Social Sciences on 1800 897 669.
Charles Sturt University also offers a graduate pathway through the Bachelor of Social Science (Criminal Justice) degree at its Bathurst campus. Further information regarding academic requirements or the Bachelor of Social Science course can be obtained by contacting the admissions staff at Charles Sturt University on 1800 443 306.
How do I apply?
All applicants need to undergo an assessment process, which requires you to meet certain academic and professional suitability standards. Academic eligibility is assessed by Charles Sturt University. Professional suitability is assessed by recruitment officers of the NSW Police Force. This includes assessment of an applicant’s criminal, traffic, employment and medical histories. This assessment process will need to be completed before you become eligible for a place in the next available intake of the ADPP course.
If you are interested in joining the NSW Police Force, you will need to be at least 18 and a half years of age and have a full motor vehicle driver’s licence or a Green Provisional licence (Green ‘P’ NSW). You must also be an Australian citizen or have Australian permanent residency.
Talk to the Police Recruitment Branch today on 1800 222 122 or go to
www.police.nsw.gov.au. You will also find a link to both Charles Sturt University and the University of Western Sydney on our website.
