Australian Police Forces
Profiles

Police Forces

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Each Australian state and territory (except the ACT) funds its own police force, governed by the respective state legislation. In addition, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigates Commonwealth (federal) crimes across Australia, as well as crimes that occur in the ACT. The ACTPOL agency is the community policing arm of the AFP.

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The report on Government Services 2025

 

 

The Report on Government Services 2025 is an annual national report that evaluates the performance of major public services delivered by Australian federal, state, and territory governments. It uses comparative data and indicators to assess how efficiently, effectively, and equitably these services are delivered, helping inform policy decisions, government accountability, and improvements across the various services. The latest (2025) report (which excludes the AFP and ACTPOL) includes the following key police dataset (download):

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• Police services data tables

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Basic Profiles

 

 

There are approximately 66,000 sworn officers across all forces

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Total Operating budget across all forces is approximately $19.6 billion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dimensions and Performance Statistics by Jurisdiction (** Table being updated April 2026 **)

 

 

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It's worth noting the data and commentary published in the the following article entitled "Queensland Police suffers mass exodus as hundreds of officers quit", December 2025. Key comments include:

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• " Queensland Police is experiencing its worst recruitment crisis in five years with hundreds of officers quitting the force and 2,000 more out of action. During the last financial year 709 officers resigned, 1,355 were sick for more than 25 days, and 650 were off on long-term psychological leave, according to new police data."

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• " Queensland is not the only state struggling to recruit, with Victoria Police needing to fill more than 1,000 vacancies by the end of July despite entrance standards being drastically reduced in March. Hundreds more officers are off on sick leave, and staffing levels are sitting at 50% at some stations. An ABC analysis in September found more than 4,500 vacancies nationwide, including 2,279 in NSW, 895 in Queensland, 200 each in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, 170 in South Australia, 32 in Tasmania, and 22 in the ACT. The worst vacancy rates were in NSW and the NT, on 12% and10% respectively, followed by Queensland on 7%."

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https://www.noticer.news/queensland-police-officers-quit-crisis/

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Other profile data for each of the police services is shown below.

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Police Commissioners

 

Each police force is headed up by a commissioner (or equivalent, similar title). They are career cops and the highest-ranked police officer in their force. They are responsible for the overall management, strategic planning and policy of their force and are accountable to the relevant state or federal parliament and a designated government minister.

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They also oversee the force's operations and are charged with ensuring it effectively serves the community and upholds the law, as well as being involved in community engagements, public communication and media relations. Typically, commissioners have risen through the ranks of their force, or another one, and bring with them all the inbred Australian police cultural values and behaviours. 

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Police Ministers

 

The role of each police minister is to oversee the police force within their state or territory. It involves ensuring it effectively fulfills its duties, and representing the police in government and public matters. The police minister is accountable for the overall performance and management of the police force in their jurisdiction. This includes strategic planning, funding and resource allocation, and ensuring the police force is operating effectively. They play a key role in developing and implementing policies related to policing and law enforcement. They also work on legislation related to policing, often in consultation with their department and other stakeholders.

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They represent the police force in government and to the public. In some cases, the police minister may also be involved in coordinating with other government agencies or jurisdictions on law enforcement matters. Police ministers generally do not get involved in public discussions about toxic police behaviours, preferring that to be handled by the appointed independent watchdog organisation or Police Commissioner.

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Police Professional Standards Units

 

In Australia Police Professional Standards Units (PSU's) are responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct by their own police officers, both criminal and professional. They are meant to play a role in maintaining police integrity and accountability by investigating complaints, identifying misconduct, and recommending disciplinary actions. These units also work to prevent misconduct through training, policy development, and promoting ethical conduct within the force.

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In practice, as the PSU’s are staffed by serving sworn police officers from the same force, the pervasive organisational focus on protecting the force’s reputation at almost any cost makes it difficult for the  PSU’s to conduct objective internal investigations: individual PSU officer’s internal relationships and careers are at risk if they adversely find against fellow officers, except in the most serious of cases. In the cases we describe below there are numerous examples where this lack of true independence and objectivity is demonstrable. PSU’s will generally side with accused officers, by default.

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The Australian police practice of investigating themselves is probably the most serious impediment to stamping out toxic police behaviours. Why not extend it and let criminals investigate their misdemeanours? Or speeding motorists decide if they were speeding? It’s the same thing. The police fox is investigating the police fox in the chicken coup. What could possibly go wrong?

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Independent Watchdogs

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Independent Watchdog organisations oversee and investigate the Australian police forces to ensure integrity and accountability. They investigate allegations of serious misconduct, corruption, and organized crime, and have the power to review police actions and conduct investigations.

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A major issue in Australia in relation to toxic police behaviours is that police commissioners are not legally compelled to respond to

recommendations from their independent watchdog bodies. The latter can investigate misconduct and make recommendations, but they typically don't have the power to directly enforce those recommendations. Since Australian police forces utilise their internal Professional Standards Units to investigate complaints about their own force’s toxic police behaviours, Australian Crime and Corruption organisations are largely toothless in addressing toxic police behaviours. The farmer can’t shoot the fox in the chicken coop, and this is another major impediment to rooting out police toxicity.

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Police Unions

 

In Australia, police unions advocate for the rights and welfare of police officers, influencing policy, and promoting professionalism within the police force. They act as industrial representatives, providing legal and welfare support, and engaging in political lobbying to improve pay, working conditions, and  resource allocation.

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Police unions defend members against disciplinary actions, legal challenges, and public criticism. Whilst this is an important function to ensure that officers are fairly represented in cases involving accusations of toxic behaviour, it’s arguable that in many of the published examples unions demand treatment of officers  that requires a lower standard of behaviour than that expected of members of the public. It’s as if officers deserve more leniency than others simply because they’ve previously been good public servants. Many would argue that as police officers a higher standard of behaviour should be expected.

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Detailed Profiles of the Australian Police Forces

 

The facts and numbers presented will change over time and we will endeavour to maintain them as published.

 

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Australian Capital Territory – ACT Policing – ACTPOL

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Established: 1927 ( Re-established 1979)

Governing legislation: Australian Federal Police Act 1979 (AFP Act) and the Policing Arrangement

Commissioner (2026): (title Chief Police Officer) Scott Lee. Background:

• Joined the AFP in 1985. Career spans local, national, and international policing roles.

• Has worked extensively in counter-terrorism, organised crime and fraud, money laundering, human trafficking and people smuggling, child exploitation offences, cybercrime, foreign interference investigations, intelligence operations and major criminal investigations.

Minister (2026): Marisa Paterson.

Mission: To keep the peace and public safety in the Australian Capital Territory

Motto: Working together for a safer community

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I will, to the best of my knowledge and skill, discharge my duties faithfully, without favour or affection, malice or ill will and according to law. / So help me God!

Public website: https://www.afp.gov.au/about-us/our-agency/act-policing

Overseen by: The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Professional Standards Unit: The Professional Standards Unit.

Police Officers Union: The Australian Federal Police Association.

Area covered: 2,358 square kilometers.

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Australian Federal Police - AFP

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Established: 1979

Governing legislation: Australian Federal Police Act 1979. Australian Federal Police Regulations 2018.

Commissioner (2026): Krissy Barrett. Background:

• Career AFP officer (joined 2001).

• Senior roles in intelligence, national security, and counter-terrorism.

• Led major multi-jurisdictional operations across Australia.

Minister (2026): Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs

Mission: As Australia's national policing agency we protect Australians and Australia's interests.

Motto: N/A

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I … swear: / solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare: That I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors according to law. That I will faithfully and diligently exercise and perform all my powers and duties as a person declared to be a member under section 40B of the Act of the Australian Federal Police, without fear or favour, affection or ill will, from this date until I cease to be a person declared to be a member under section 40Bof the Act of the Australian Federal Police. That, whenever performing duty in the Australian Capital Territory, I will cause His Majesty’s peace to be kept and preserved, and prevent, to the best of my power, offences against the peace. And that, while I continue to be a person declared to be a member under section 40B of the Act of the Australian Federal Police, I will, to the best of my skill and knowledge, faithfully discharge all my duties according to law. / So help me God!

Public website: https://www.afp.gov.au/

Overseen by: The Commonwealth Law Enforcement Ombudsman.

Professional Standards Unit: The Professional Standards Unit.

Police Officers Union: The Australian Federal Police Association.

Area covered: N/A – except see ACTPOL.

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​New South Wales - New South Wales Police Force - NSWPF

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Established: 1862

Governing legislation: Police Act 1990

Commissioner (2026): Mal Lanyon. Background:

• Joined NSW Police 1987.

• Detective (homicide, drugs).

• Led State Crime Command.

• No interstate policing roles.

Minister (2026): Yasmin Catley

Mission: We aim to protect the community and property by: preventing, detecting and investigating crime, monitoring and promoting road safety, maintaining social order, performing and coordinating emergency and rescue operations.

Motto: 'Culpam poena premit comes' translates as 'Punishment swiftly follows crime'.

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I … do swear / do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm  that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King, His heirs and successors according to law, as a police officer without favour or affection, malice or ill-will until I am legally discharged, that I will cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and preserved, and that I will prevent to the best of my power all offences against that peace, and that while I continue to be a police officer I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all my duties faithfully according to law. / So help me God.

Public website: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/

Overseen by: The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Police Officers Union: Police Association of New South Wales.

Area covered: 801,600 square kilometers.

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​​Northern Territory – Northern Territory Police Force - NTPF

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Established:1911

Governing legislation: Police Administration Act 1978

Commissioner (2026): Martin Dole. Background:

• Joined NTPF 1997.

• Frontline policing, serious crime, counter-terrorism, and organisational leadership

• Experience in both operational command and strategic policing functions

Minister (2026): Lia Finocchiaro

Mission: To serve and protect the Northern Territory by building a safer community.

Motto: To Serve and Protect

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I … promise / do swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign His Majesty King Charles the Third as a member of the Northern Territory Police Force without fear or favour, affection or ill-will from this day and until I am legally discharged from that Force; that I will see and cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and preserved, that I will prevent, to the best of my powers, all offences against His Majesty's peace and against all laws in force in the Northern Territory of Australia and that, while I remain a member of the Northern Territory Police Force, I will, to the best of my skill and knowledge, faithfully discharge all my duties according to law.  / So help me God!

Public website: https://pfes.nt.gov.au/police

Overseen by: Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

Professional Standards Unit: The Professional Standards Command.

Police Officers Union: The Northern Territory Police Association.

Area covered: 1,420,970 square kilometers.

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​Queensland – Queensland Police Service - QPS

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Established: 1864

Governing legislation: Police Service Administration Act 1990

Commissioner (2026): Brett Pointing (Interim). Background:

• Joined QPS 1981.

• Organised crime specialist

• Later moved to AFP Deputy Commissioner role before returning to QPS (12-month (interim) appointment).

Minister (2026): Daniel (Dan) Purdie

Mission: To keep Queenslanders safe by preventing crime, upholding the law, and responding to emergencies.

Motto: With Honour We Serve

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I …  swear  /  solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm and declare that, from this date until I am legally discharged— I will well and truly serve His Majesty King Charles the Third and His heirs and successors according to law, as a police officer for the Queensland Police Service, with honour, diligence and integrity and with respect for human rights; I will protect life and property, preserve peace and good order, and prevent the commission of offences; and I will, to the best of my knowledge and skill, discharge my duties faithfully, without favour or affection, malice or ill will and according to law. / So help me God!

Public website: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/

Overseen by: The Crime and Corruption Commission.

Professional Standards Unit : The Ethical Standards Command.

Police Officers Union: Queensland Police Union.

Area covered: 1,727,000 square kilometers.

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​South Australia – South Australia Police - SAPOL

 

Established: 1838

Governing legislation: Police Act 1998

Commissioner (2026): Grant Stevens. Background:

• Joined SAPOL 1988.

• Frontline policing, community safety and routine law enforcement work, criminal investigations, major and organised crime, intelligence and covert operations, counter-terrorism and security, traffic and road safety policing, corporate and executive leadership.

Minister (2026): Stephen Mullighan.

Mission: We will uphold the law; preserve the peace; prevent crime; assist the public in emergency situations; co-ordinate and manage responses to emergencies; regulate road use; and prevent vehicle collisions.

Motto: Safer Communities

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I … do swear / solemnly and truly declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve His Majesty

King Charles the Third and His heirs and successors according to law, as a member of South Australia Police, without favour or affection, malice or ill-will; that to the best of my power I will cause Her Majesty's peace to be kept throughout the State and prevent the commission of offences against the peace or against the laws of the State; and that I will faithfully discharge all duties imposed on me as a member of South Australia Police. / So help me God!

Public website: https://www.police.sa.gov.au/

Overseen by: Independent Commission Against Corruption

Professional Standards Unit: The Ethical and Professional Standards Branch.

Police Officers Union: Police Association of South Australia.

Area covered: 1,043,514 square kilometers.

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Tasmania - Tasmania Police (TP)

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Established: 1899

Governing legislation: Police Service Act 2003

Commissioner (2026): Donna Adams. Background:

• Joined 1991.

• Frontline and investigative policing.

• Deep experience in family violence, child safety, and victim-focused policing.

• Leadership across specialist operations and executive management.

Minister (2026): Felix Ellis

Mission: To provide a quality policing and emergency management service.

Motto: We do the right thing.

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I … swear / affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of police officer in Tasmania, and that to the best of my power, without favour or affection, malice or ill-will, will cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against persons and properties in Tasmania, and that to the best of my ability, skill and knowledge will discharge all the duties of a police officer according to law. / So help me God.

Public website: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/

Overseen by: The Integrity Commission and the Ombudsman Tasmania.

Professional Standards Unit: The Professional Standards Command.

Police Officers Union: The Police Association of Tasmania.

Area covered: 68,401 square kilometers.

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​Victoria – Victoria Police - VICPOL

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Established: 1853

Governing legislation: Victoria Police Act 2013

Commissioner (2026): Mike Bush. Background:

• Joined NZ Police 1978. Appointed VICPOL 2025.

• Strong emphasis on serious crime, national security, and strategic policing

• Significant experience in organisational leadership, professional standards, and public safety policy

Minister (2026): Anthony Carbines

Mission: To keep everyone safe.

Motto: Uphold the Right

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation: I … swear by Almighty God / do solemnly and sincerely affirm  that I will well and truly serve

our Sovereign as a police officer in Victoria in any capacity in which I may be appointed, promoted, or reduced to, without favour or affection, malice or ill-will for the period of [ insert period ] from this date, and until I am legally discharged, that I will see and cause the peace to be kept and preserved, and that I will prevent to the best of my power all offences, and that while I continue to be a police officer I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties legally imposed on me faithfully and according to law.

Public website: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/

Overseen by: The Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission

Professional Standards Unit: The Professional Standards Command.

Police Officers Union: Police Association Victoria.

Area covered: 237,659 square kilometers.

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​Western Australia – West Australian Police - WAPOL

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Established: 1834

Governing legislation: Police Act 1892.

Commissioner (2026): Col Blanch. background:

• Joined VICPOL 1997.

• Later moved to national agencies: Australian Crime Commission / Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. Roles included state manager for Victoria and national intelligence leadership.

• June 2018 – Joined Western Australia Police Force as Assistant Commissioner, November 2018 – Promoted to Deputy Commissioner, 15 July 2022 – Appointed Commissioner of Western Australia Police.

• Frontline and community policing, criminal investigations – serious and complex offences, intelligence-led policing – national and state intelligence coordination, counter-terrorism and security, professional standards and ethics, traffic and road policing, emergency and crisis management, executive leadership and strategy – policy, workforce, and organisational reform.

Minister (2026): Reece Whitby

Mission: To provide policing services that are valued and trusted by the community.

Motto: Duty with Integrity.

Police Officers’ Oath or  Affirmation:  "I … , do swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the office of

constable,without favour or affection, malice or ill-will, until I am legally discharged; that I will see and cause His Majesty’s peace

to be kept and preserved; that I will prevent, to the best of my power, all offences against the same; and that, while I continue to

hold the said office, I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law. / So

help me God!"

Public website: www.police.wa.gov.au

Overseen by: Crime and Corruption Commission.

Professional Standards Unit: The Police Conduct Investigation Unit.

Police Officers Union: WA Police Union.

Area covered: 2,527,013 square kilometers.

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