General Requirements
Age
An applicant must be aged 18 years or over at the time of being accepted.
Fitness
Physical testing is conducted as part of the selection process. Aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility must be above average.
Nationality
An applicant must be either an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia. Applicants born overseas must produce a Certificate of Citizenship with their application. In accordance with agreements between governments, New Zealand citizens must produce their passport or a certified copy thereof instead of a certificate.
Education
There are no formal educational requirements, however successful applicants will be required to study at a tertiary level whilst training at the academy. Recruits study 15 of 24 units of the Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies).
Tertiary qualifications or sound Year 12 results are desirable. An applicant’s work and life experiences will be considered during the selection process.
Health
Where an applicant has performed satisfactorily throughout the selection process, towards the conclusion of the process he/she must undergo:
- a thorough medical examination by a medical practitioner,
- an eye test by an optometrist, and
- a hearing test by an audiologist.
Depending on the degree of seriousness, medical conditions such as asthma, certain eyesight conditions, hearing loss, and any other ailments or injuries that could be likely to impair the applicant’s performance as a police officer, may impact upon selection consideration. A medical opinion of the appropriate specialist may be required and the cost of any consultation will be at the expense of the applicant.
Prerequisites
The following are prerequisites for all applicants:
- a current Australian Drivers Licence (manual),
- a Senior First Aid Certificate (including mouth to mask technique),
- a Police Rescue Award (Royal Life Saving Society of Australia) or other swimming life saving award held within the previous three years, and
- proof of computer literacy.
It is highly desirable that prerequisites are completed prior to Assessment Centre Day. They must be obtained prior to commencement of recruit training. If applicants experience difficulty in obtaining prerequisites, such as unavailability of recognised accreditation centres, they should contact Recruiting Services and provide this advice.
Interstate/Overseas Applicants
Interstate/overseas enquiries and applications are welcome but applicants must be prepared to travel at least once to Tasmania, at their own expense, to participate in the selection process. This includes the Police Appointment Examination and Assessment Centre Day. Applicants are expected to have a good knowledge of the Tasmanian community and policing in Tasmania.
Serving or Former Police Officers
On receipt of an application from serving interstate police officers or former police officers (Tasmanian, interstate or overseas) an assessment regarding the selection process will occur. This assessment and selection process may include a Job Suitability Test, medical examination and participation in an Assessment Centre Day. Consideration will be given to years of service, competencies attained, exit interview and employment history.
If the applicant is considered suitable, the Selection Panel will recommend either the completion of the full eight month training program or a 'Fast Track' training program, depending on the considerations detailed above and other pertinent factors. Training, salary levels and appointment conditions will be determined by the Commander of Human Resources.
Tasmanian State Service
State Service personnel who apply and are appointed to a recruit course may be able to apply for a secondment from their current agency to Tasmania Police, for the period of training. Upon graduation they will be transferred to Tasmania Police. An assessment of leave and superannuation entitlements will be conducted and transferred where applicable. Please contact Recruiting Services for more information.
