Working as a protective services officer (PSO) allows you to meet and help people from all walks of life.
Learn about your daily roles and duties, PSO powers, and possible career opportunities.
PSO roles and duties
As a PSO, your roles and duties will include:
- monitoring and patrolling peak hour train services
- building trust in the safety of the public transport system
- creating rapport with commuters and the community
- working at major events and their surrounds
- dealing with anti-social behaviour, property damage, alcohol and transport-related offences
- putting together paperwork.
You will always be on duty with a least one other PSO.
Watch: Get to know the PSO role
From patrolling stations and car parks, to assisting passengers in need, Ashok and Kasey give us an insight into a day in the life of a PSO.
PSO locations
PSOs are located at all:
- 212 metropolitan train stations in Melbourne, and
- four regional train stations across Victoria (Bendigo, Traralgon, Ballarat and Geelong).
PSO powers
As a PSO, you will have the power to:
- arrest and detain
- search people and property
- seize weapons, graffiti implements and alcohol
- issue infringement notices.
These powers help PSOs keep the community safe.
PSO career opportunities
Being a PSO opens doors to other opportunities at Victoria Police.
PSO's frequently respond to requests for specialist security services at other locations. These include Regional Parliamentary sittings, the Coroners Court, and other special events.
Protective Services Unit (PSU)
PSOs can also apply for the Protective Services Unit (PSU) when roles are available.
PSOs appointed to the PSU can be assigned to any deployment or tasking, subject to operational needs, in the following areas:
- Melbourne Supreme Court
- Melbourne County Court
- Melbourne Children's Court
- Melbourne Magistrates' Court
- Suburban Magistrates' Courts located at Dandenong, Frankston, Ringwood, Heidelberg, Broadmeadows and Sunshine
- Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
- Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Corrections Victoria
- Parliament House Victoria
- Government House
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Victoria Police Centre.
Promotion opportunities
PSOs interested in leadership roles also have the opportunity to seek promotion through the ranks.
After you have met the relevant requirements, PSOs can follow a promotional pathway towards PSO Sergeant or PSO Senior Sergeant roles.
Transition to a police officer role
PSOs interested in becoming a police officer can take the Constable Qualifying Program (CQP) course after they have trained to be a PSO.
Apply to be a protective services officer
Take the first step towards an exciting new career.
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