Exemption cards for Queensland Police Officers
If you are an employee of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and working in your professional capacity under the Police Service Administration Act 1990 you do not need a blue or exemption card.
If you perform any role with children beyond the scope of your professional duties as an employee of QPS, a blue or exemption card may be required.
An exemption card is a blue card by another name and is only for sworn police officers and Queensland registered teachers. Police officers must apply for an exemption card when working with children beyond the scope of their profession. All other QPS employees should apply for a blue card.
Examples
A blue or exemption card is not needed for a:
- sworn police officer patrolling the streets and questioning a child
- police liaison officer supporting children as part of a community program.
An exemption card is needed for a:
- sworn police officer coaching children at their local soccer club on the weekend.
A blue card is needed for a:
- police liaison officer that is also a martial arts instructor for junior classes on a Thursday night.
Applying for an exemption card
Police officers can apply for an exemption card online or by using the appropriate paper form:
- Exemption card application
- Exemption card application or renewal for disability service workers
- Exemption card business application
Police officers can commence work with children once they have applied for an exemption card and have been linked to an organisation.
Once an application for an exemption card is received, Blue Card Services will liaise with QPS to confirm the applicant is a police officer and whether further employment screening is required.
If a police officer has a criminal history an assessment of their eligibility to hold an exemption card will be undertaken.
More information
- Understand linking requirements for organisations
- Check when you don’t need a blue card
- Check who cannot apply for or hold a blue card
- Learn how to apply for a blue or exemption card