QPS members seeking promotion are required to complete structured Queensland Police selection criteria applications. Within a 2 page statement, you will need to show how you have demonstrated your ability to perform in the more senior role. This includes Constables, Sergeants, Senior Sergeants, Inspectors and Superintendents. We outline how to write your QPS selection criteria 2 page application, and provide two selection criteria answers for Police Officer roles.

The Leadership Competencies for Queensland (LC4Q)

Your 2 page response should address the Leadership LC4Q competencies in the context of the Key Accountabilities for the position and with regard to the associated Locality Profile. The examples you use will need to address each of these competencies. For example, the LC4Q stream for Constable/Senior Constable is Team Leader, and therefore the corresponding LC4Q competencies are:

• Vision: Leads strategically; Stimulates ideas and innovation; Leads change in complex environments; Makes insightful Decisions.
• Results: Develops and mobilises talent; Builds enduring relationships; Inspires others; Drives accountability and outcomes .
• Accountability: Fosters healthy and inclusive workplaces; Pursues continuous growth; Demonstrates sound governance.

The QPS Strategic Plan

Your selection criteria response should align with QPS’s vision and strategic objectives. You can include examples that reference strategies like service delivery and leadership.

Formatting Your 2 Page Statement

Your response should be:

• Maximum 2 pages
• Written in Arial font 11
• Use 1.5cm margins
• Include no bolding etc. – use plain text only.

QPS Selection Criteria Content Considerations

Your response should:

• Use two examples in STAR format (Situation, Task, Action Result) per competency (i.e. two examples for Vision, two for Results and two for Accountability). You may use one really strong, detailed example per competency.
• Omit all ‘fluff’ words. Use short, sharp sentences, like “recognised need to…” and “I took initiative to..”
• Acronyms must be outlined at first use.
• All examples must include details of a verifying officer e.g. verified by Sgt Alan Smith).

Selection Criteria Answers for Police Officer (Examples)

Example 1 (Accountability)

Situation: High workloads, traumatic incidents, and shift pressures impacted officer morale. Signs of burnout increased. Absenteeism due to stress rose by 30% in six months. Officers lacked structured support. Task: Recognised need to improve officer wellbeing, retention, and team cohesion. Aimed to reduce burnout, support mental health, and create a healthier work environment. Action: Took initiative to establish a peer support network. Identified experienced officers for mentoring roles. Coordinated with QPS Wellbeing Unit to run resilience training. Implemented structured debriefs after high-risk incidents, ensuring officers had a safe space to discuss challenges. Created a streamlined referral process for mental health support. Encouraged leaders to model open conversations about stress and fatigue. Result: Absenteeism due to stress dropped 30% in six months. Officers reported higher job satisfaction and stronger team support in internal surveys. Peer support network became an embedded station resource. Senior leadership recognised initiative and expanded it district-wide. Verified by Sgt Alan Smith.

Example 2 (Focusing on Results)

Situation: Spike in repeat property crime across the district. Offenders reoffending within days of release. Intelligence gaps in linking suspects to multiple offences. Task: Recognised need to disrupt repeat offenders and strengthen evidence collection. Aimed to improve intelligence sharing, increase arrests, and reduce reoffending. Action: Took initiative to analyse crime patterns using QPRIME and CCTV data. Identified high-risk offenders and mapped crime hotspots. Coordinated with specialist units to target known offenders. Implemented a briefing system to ensure officers were aware of active persons of interest. Provided targeted surveillance training to frontline officers, improving identification and evidence collection. Result: Arrests of repeat offenders increased by 40% in three months. Clearance rates for property crime improved by 25%. Reoffending rates among identified targets dropped significantly. Strategy adopted as a best practice for other divisions. Verified by Sgt Alan Smith.

Need help with your application? We work collaboratively with you to gather suitable examples for your application and write targeted QPS statements for QPS and other Australian police organisations. Contact us for a quote.