Aboriginal Community Police Officers (ACPO) are uniformed sworn police officers who provide communication and liaison with local indigenous communities.
They enforce the laws of the Northern Territory (NT) and protect and serve the public. As an ACPO you are a role model and an advocate for cross-cultural awareness.
You have an opportunity to make a difference and to improve community knowledge about policing services and law and order issues.
As an NT Police member you may be required to serve in any geographical location within the NT where a police presence is required.
Become an Aboriginal Community Police Officer
Want to help people in communities, be a role model and have a rewarding career? Then a career as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer is for you.
Apply now!
Opportunities are endless
There are many opportunities for future development, including:
- study
- qualifications
- service in remote localities and
- community engagement.
Support is offered to members who wish to transition to the Constable role.
NT Police recognise and value different characteristics of all applicants and the ‘ages and stages’ of their lives.
We’re committed to strengthen our capability through diversity and welcome applications from the entire community.
Training
The ACPO training course incorporates 24 weeks paid, full-time training in Darwin at the NT Police Force College. The College is located at the Peter McAulay Centre in Berrimah.
The course is demanding and involves:
- physical training
- learning legislation
- operational safety tactics
- driver training
- information systems
- communications and
- much more.
After graduation, graduates will be posted to one of the NT's various police stations as a sworn ACPO. ACPOs will be subject to a probation period of 12 months from commencement.
Qualification
At the successful completion of all requirements participants will be awarded the nationally accredited qualification Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community Policing (POL30122) by the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Registered Training Organisation (RTO Number 0384).
Probation period
Probationary ACPOs will be required to submit on-the-job evidence in a workplace practicum in order to be confirmed as an ACPO.
ACPO applicants must:
- be of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander descent
- at the commencement of training be at least 18 years of age
- be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status, a New Zealand citizen or a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia under a Special Category Visa
- have either:
- a Year 10 or equivalent education level
- a completed a trade certificate
- 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.
- be physically fit and healthy
- possess a current provisional or open drivers licence to drive a manual vehicle
- have general computing skills
- possess qualification equivalent to Provide First Aid (also known as Apply First Aid/Senior First Aid)
- be of good character.
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.
If you have any questions, you can contact NT Police Recruitment:
NOTE:
Candidates who fail to meet the required standards may be excluded from applying for a determined period and will be notified in writing.
Allowances and pay
ACPOs enjoy attractive pay which includes several allowances.
Your pay
| Rank | Base rate | Inclusive of 23% consolidated allowance and 5% GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Recruit ACPO | $65,377 | Allowance not paid during training |
| ACPO Year 1 | $65,377 | $83,682 |
Allowances
The following allowances do not apply to Recruit ACPOs.
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
Officers performing general duties will receive the general policing allowance of 5% of their annual salary.
Night shift allowance
Officers who work regular rostered shift work, will be paid an allowance of 15% of the officer’s base annual salary converted to an hourly rate and paid for each night shift actually worked.
Accommodation
Depending on family composition, NT Police provides all Police Constables and Aboriginal Community Police Officers (including Recruit Constables) with either:
- barracks accommodation
- free departmental accommodation or
- a housing allowance.
Your entitlement will be the housing allowance if you or your partner are:
- purchasing a property in the location in which you are stationed or
- you choose not to accept an offer of an approved dwelling.
Housing allowance
The housing allowance is a taxable allowance that is currently $28,544 per annum.
The allowance is paid per fortnight to officers who choose to provide their own accommodation, either renting or buying. This allowance is subject to regular reviews in conjunction with any CPI increases and is also subject to PAYG tax.
Relocation expenses
Relocation assistance up to $20,000, may be available.
However, any such assistance will be in the form of reimbursement only, upon provision of satisfactory evidence of expenditure incurred.
Study assistance
Availability of study assistance on application for approved study.