Transition to Police Public Safety Officer model
Community safety across the Northern Territory is being strengthened through the introduction of Police Public Safety Officers (PPSOs).
The PPSO model brings together existing safety roles into a single, coordinated frontline service focused on reducing antisocial behaviour and improving safety in public spaces and around public housing.
The PPSO positions will be spread across the NT and align with the government’s Reducing Crime Strategy 2025.
PPSOs will deliver high-visibility patrols. Their role include:
- proactive engagement with the community
- targeted responses in identified hotspots.
This new approach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring Territorians feel safe in their homes and neighbourhoods.
As part of this transition, PHSO safety services will transfer to the PPSO model. The department will continue to work closely with partner agencies to support safe and well-managed public housing.
Approximately half of PHSO functions transfer to NT Police, including:
- proactive patrols and 131 444 responses
- alcohol enforcement,
- notices of direction
- Banned Drinker Register (BDR) referrals.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development will continue to:
- manage tenancies and antisocial behaviour complaints to align with our tenant accountability policy statement
- support at-risk tenancies
- make applications for alcohol restricted premises
- conduct ASB investigations and process NTCAT compliance action.
The rollout of PPSOs marks an important step in strengthening frontline capability and delivering a more responsive and visible safety presence across the Territory.
For more information, read the factsheet PDF (457.1 KB).
