Recruiting now
SA Police is currently recruiting police officers and police security officers. Watch our latest recruiting video or our latest PSO video
A career as a police security officer is much more than just an ordinary security job. Attached to SA Police’s Police Security Services Branch, police security officers play a key role in the safety of our community by contributing to South Australia’s counter terrorism strategies.
As a police security officer you will be a valued member of the SA Police team that is highly regarded by the community. You will be a crucial part of police operations, creating a safer and more secure environment for government employees and members of the community accessing government facilities.
You’ll be part of a team that works around-the-clock shifts to carry out static and mobile security duties, along with 24-hour alarm monitoring and CCTV surveillance.
SA Police's Physical Security Section and Security Control Centre services are provided 24/7. Police security officers work eight-hour shifts however overtime is a requirement at some locations. Police security officers are not sworn police officers however may carry firearms and are trained in police operational safety techniques and the use of the Government Radio Network.
NOTE: The videos on this page were filmed prior to PSOs transitioning to the dark blue uniform in 2019.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of what PSOs do.
The role of the Physical Security Section (PSS) is to provide physical security services to South Australian Government clients through static guards and mobile security patrols.
The functions include:
If you work within the PSS you will either work in the static sites or school patrols. The static sites are mostly within the Central Business District (CBD) and generally work a day and afternoon shift with weekends off. You will use your authorities when required and maintain a highly visible presence to ensure the security of the building and occupants by checking visitors and occupants and conducting foot patrols.
School patrols have a 24/7 requirement and work from seven SAPOL patrol bases:
At the start of your shift you attend a parade with local police then maintain a highly visible presence by patrolling a designated area in a marked Police Security vehicle and physically checking school premises and attending to alarms.
The role of the Security Control Centre is to provide police security services to government clients by monitoring alarms and CCTV networks.
The functions include:
Security Control Centre Operators are generally attracted to this type of work if they prefer an office based environment that is central to delivering positive outcomes for the community. It can be exciting and fast paced but requires attention to detail, excellent situational awareness and the ability to critically observe, monitor and action situations that may affect public safety.
Police Security Officers (PSOs) provide vital security services as part of our state’s response to COVID-19.
PSOs are responsible for the provision of operational support to sworn police officers to ensure the efficient and effective COVID-19 operations on a 24 hour, 7 day roster basis at SAPOL required locations within South Australia.
Duties for PSOs working in COVID Operations include:
At SA Police, our police security officers receive security training to the highest standards. You’ll also:
In addition to up to five weeks paid annual leave each year, you will have access to entitlements for:
Other benefits include:
You will also receive a salary whilst training and have opportunities for professional growth and development.
The salary structure for police security officers is below:
| Rank increment range | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Police security officer trainee | $51,562 |
| Police security officer first class | $56,987 - $61,301 (on graduation) |
| Police security officer supervisor | $65,606 - $69,919 |
Shift allowances are paid in addition to normal salary.
Watch the two videos below to follow Sarah, Ranjeet and James through the nine-week Police Security Officers Qualification Program – hear what motivated them to join, learn about what the job entails, get a glimpse of the training they went through and see them graduate.
Watch the video below to follow Sarah, Ranjeet and James through the nine week Police Security Officers Qualification Program - hear what motivated them to join, learn about what the job entails, get a glimpse of the training they went through and see them graduate.
Alternatively, watch this snapshot of Sarah and Ranjeet, as they go through the PSO Qualification Program before graduating to join the ranks of SA Police.
Hear about Lisa’s experience on the job as a police security officer with SA Police. Download Lisa's video transcript
Because we have the latest training techniques, high-end technology, and the full support of the state’s police and emergency services network, there’s never been a more exciting time to join this vital and respected branch of SA Police.
Register for a seminar to learn more or Apply now.
Read the news story from our latest Police Security Officer graduation.