How to become a Commissioned Police Officer

Provides high level management to support the running of a geographical or operational section of a police service.

Main tasks

• Develops and establishes administrative and operational procedures, taking into consideration the organisation's operational environment
• Makes policy decisions and accepts responsibility for operations, performance of staff, achievement of targets, and adherence to budgets, standards and procedures
• Investigates and resolves complex issues and complaints
• Establishes line of control, delegates responsibilities, and provides guidance and support to subordinate staff
• Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, such as community groups and other law enforcement agencies
• Represents the police service in dealings with other organisations, stakeholders and the public
• Prepares budgets, reports and other management plans
• Implements changes based on law enforcement developments

Ways in

• University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Graduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (FNS80020); Graduate Diploma of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing (FNS80120)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $184,184 a year
• About 4,400 people work in this job group now, and about 5,100 are projected by 2035. (+17.5%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Commissioned Defence Force Officer
• Commissioned Fire Officer
• Sports Administrator
• Arts Administrator or Manager
• Library Services Manager
• Environmental Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Commissioned Police Officer?

Ways in include: Business & Commerce degrees; Graduate Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing; Graduate Diploma of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing.

How much does a Commissioned Police Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $184,184 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Commissioned Police Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 4,400 to about 5,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Commissioned Police Officer?

Usually. 63% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Commissioned Police Officer?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04