Queensland police recruits serve three years in general duties after graduating
New Queensland police officers complete a three-year General Duties tenure in their allocated district before they can apply for vacancies elsewhere.
Newly graduated Queensland police officers will spend their first three years in General Duties within the district they are allocated, according to the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Once that period is complete, officers may apply for vacancies in other locations.
The QPS outlined the posting process in one of its recruitment FAQ videos, published on 13 November 2026.
How districts are allocated
During the application process, applicants nominate the district they would prefer and tell the service about any extenuating circumstances that may affect them. The QPS says successful applicants receive their district allocation with their letter of offer, in the final stages of the application process.
The service is divided into a number of districts, each containing many stations.
Choosing a station
While at the academy, recruits nominate a preferred station from a list of stations that offer the First Year Constable Program. They then complete the three-year General Duties tenure within their allocated district.
The source material does not say how many districts or stations are involved, or how often preferences are met.
Video: QueenslandPolice.
Key questions
- How long do new Queensland police officers stay in General Duties?
- New officers complete a three-year General Duties tenure within the district they are allocated after graduating.
- When can officers apply to move to another location?
- After finishing the three-year General Duties tenure, officers can apply for vacancies in other locations.
- How do recruits find out which district they will be posted to?
- Applicants nominate a preferred district during the application process, and the allocation arrives with their letter of offer in the final stages.